Gurkha (n.) Look up Gurkha at Dictionary.com
member of a dominant race of Nepal, 1811. They are of Hindu descent, famous as warriors. Said to be ultimately from Sanskrit gauh "cow" (from PIE *gwou- "cow, ox, bull;" see cow (n.)) + raksati "he protects," from PIE *aleks-, extended form of root *lek- "to ward off, protect" (see Alexander).