Etymology tree
Proto-Slavic *xъrvatъbor.
Medieval Latin Croatalbor.
English Croat
Learned borrowing from Medieval Latin Croata, borrowed from Proto-Slavic *xъrvatъ (“Croat”), the Croatian autonym. It, in turn, is probably of non-Slavic origin: probably from an Iranian or Germanic language. First attested in 1585. Doublet of cravat.
Etymology tree
Proto-Slavic *xъrvatъbor.
Medieval Latin Croatalbor.
English Croat
Learned borrowing from Medieval Latin Croata, borrowed from Proto-Slavic *xъrvatъ (“Croat”), the Croatian autonym. It, in turn, is probably of non-Slavic origin: probably from an Iranian or Germanic language. First attested in 1585. Doublet of cravat.
Meanings
(countable) A native or inhabitant of Croatia; a person of Croatian ethnicity.
(countable, dated) An irregular soldier, generally from Croatia.
(uncommon, uncountable) The Croatian lect.
It almost made him laugh. What could he possibly do in Ohio? Did Cleveland have a pressing need for secret policemen who spoke Croat? 2012, Alen Mattich, Zagreb Cowboy, →ISBN, page 134: