or COSMOPOLITAN, a term sometimes used to signify a person who has no fixed living or place of abode, or a man who is a stranger nowhere. The word comes from the Greek κόσμος, "world," and πόλις, "city." One of the ancient philosophers being interrogated what countryman he was? answered, he was a cosmopolite, i.e., an inhabitant or citizen of the world.

COSACKS, a name given to the people inhabiting the banks of the rivers Nieper and Don, near the Black Sea and borders of Turkey. There are several kinds of Cossacks: the most known are those of the Don, the Zaporavian, and the Ukraine Cossacks. They inhabit the Ukraine, which is also called Malo-Russia, or Little Russia, and is unquestionably one of the finest countries in Europe. They were once a free people, and of the same descent with the Poles. When united, they could bring an army of 150,000 men into the field. They were long under the protection of the republic of Poland, and were of great service in the wars against the Turks. At last, however, the Poles attempted to treat them like slaves; upon which they revolted, and chose for their leader one Hetman Chelminski, who put himself under the protection of the Turks. Some years after the death of Chelminski, his successor Dorofeienko submitted himself and his country to the Russians. This brought on a war which terminated in the destruction of the town of Czigrin, at that time the capital of the Ukraine. This happened in 1674. For some years after this they preserved all their privileges, and were governed by a prince of their own choosing. But having taken part with Charles XII. of Sweden against the Russians, they were reduced by Peter the Great, so as to be incapable of ever shaking off the yoke. They were, however, restored to their former state by the empress Elizabeth, in which they still continue.

The customs of this people are singular: no Zaporavian Cossack is allowed to marry within the precincts of their territory. If he is married, his wife must live in some neighbouring country, where he resorts to her from time to time; and even this intercourse must be without the knowledge of the elders. They do not even suffer women to remain at the house of any stranger that happens to come among them. They are great thieves and robbers; but, if any one should steal from his neighbour, he is tied to a post in some public place: A bottle of brandy, a loaf of bread, and a number of strong sticks, are set by his side; when every one that passes has a right to give him as many blows as he pleases; after which he may refresh the sufferer with a little brandy and a morsel of bread. The criminal remains thus tied for twenty-four hours together, and often five times as long; long; after which, if he has the good luck to survive the blows, he is again received into the society. The whole republic is made up entirely of thieves and vagabonds, who subsist on nothing but rapine and plunder both in peace and war. The court of Russia cannot hinder their continual excursions; nay, is even obliged to keep measures with them, for fear of their changing sides.

The Don Cossacks were originally Russian peasants, to whom the yoke of their masters having proved intolerable, they by degrees took refuge in this country, where they established themselves into a commonwealth. In process of time they voluntarily put themselves under the protection of the Russian empire, by which they are very mildly treated. They are excellent soldiers, and can bring 15,000 men into the field. Their general, or chief of their republic, is styled voikovoy attaman: he is chosen by themselves from among the principal officers of the nation; but he must be confirmed by the court.