zabernism

English

Etymology

From the German name for Saverne, a town in Alsace. Originated from an incident in 1913 involving an overzealous soldier who wounded a cobbler for laughing at him, ultimately triggering an intervention from the army who took over the power from local authorities.

Noun

zabernism (uncountable)

1. (obsolete) The misuse or abuse of military authority; bullying.