Vivandieres have an interesting role in the American Civil War. These brave women traveled with soldiers as mascots or nurses; there are even cases where they fought alongside their male counterparts. A vivandiere could provide creature comforts to the soldiers. Officially during the Civil War, the term Vivandiere is usually applied only to women who served with Zouaves. The term "Vivandiere", is derived from a mixture of French and Latin, which literally means "hospitality giver." Many Vivandieres carried a trademark cask, either round or oval, often filled with brandy or wine.