kuruc

Originally - after the uncovering of the Wesselényi plot (1670) - it was an expression used for people in exile in Transylvania or the region beyond the river Tisza. Later it was used for armed soldiers, who supported Imre Thököly, exile-leader, then the northern Hungarian principal, and took part in the 1697 Hegyalja revolt, and fought in Ferenc Rákóczi II's war of independence (1703-1711). The majority of these soldiers were of peasant and common noble origin, who had lost their positions due to the reorganisation of the border defence system (1670s) or they were dismissed later (1690s).

PG