Lisowczycy, singular: Lisowczyk was the name of infamous non-regular light-cavalry in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Organized in the first half of the 17th century around 1614 by Aleksander Józef Lisowski (1575 - 1616) with support from hetman Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, the unit participated in many conflicts, including the Dimitriads wars and in the Battle of White Mountain. They were characterized as extreme agile, warlike and bloodthirsty soldiers and took part in many battles across Europe until 1636.

Lisowczycy were infamous for the scores of atrocities they carried out (pillages, rapes, and many others, like the sack of Akademia Rakowska of Polish brethren). They were respected by opponents for their military expertise, but feared and despised by civilians wherever they passed. They didn't hesitate to plunder even their homeland, the Commonwealth, which was one of the reasons Polish king Zygmunt III Waza tried to keep them away from the Commonwealth as often as possible.

See also

• Polish cavalry
• Offices in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth