A Chasseur (a French term for "hunter") is the designation given to certain regiments of French light infantry (Chasseurs-à-Pied) or light cavalry (Chasseurs-à-Cheval) troops, trained for rapid action.
The name was originally used for infantry units in the French Army recruited from hunters or woodsmen. Recognized for their marksmanship and skirmishing skills, the chasseurs were comparable to the German Jäger or the British Riflemen.
The Chasseurs-à-Pied, as the Marksmen of the French army, were regarded as elite light companies and regiments. The Chasseurs-à-Cheval, however, were generally not held in as high esteem as their infantry counterparts, or the identically armed light cavalry units of Hussars.