ETYM French dragon dragon, dragoon, from Latin draco dragon, also, a cohort's standard (with a dragon on it). The name was given from the sense standard. Related to Dragon.
A member of a European military unit formerly composed of heavily armed cavalrymen.
Mounted soldier who carried an infantry weapon such as a “dragon”, or short musket, as used by the French army in the 16th century. The name was retained by some later regiments after the original meaning became obsolete.

To compel by threatening; SYN. railroad.
To compel by military bullying; to compel by force