Definition of "dghaisa"

Mediterranean peoples are thought to be excitable, but the Maltese stood up to the blitz with great aplomb, especially the dghaisa men who plowed back and forth across the harbours regardless of the raids, the mateys who made the devastated dockyard work, and all who served in units of the armed forces.

2011, Gordon W. Stead, A Leaf upon the Sea, page 63