Whiteboy

/ ˈwaɪtbɔɪ /

noun

1. Irish history a member of a secret society of violent agrarian protest, formed around 1760

Word History and Origins

Origin of Whiteboy¹

C18: adopted from the earlier use of the phrase as a term of endearment for a boy or man

Example Sentences

Up to this time, Cussen had escaped suspicion of any participation in the Whiteboy proceedings.

From Project Gutenberg

This was the nearest approach he ever made to an admission that he had been involved in the Whiteboy movements.

From Project Gutenberg

As there was a strong gate at each side, the place was considered quite able to resist any Whiteboy attack.

From Project Gutenberg

His followers were more or less disguised, and all, except Cussen, had white shirts over their garments—hence the name Whiteboy.

From Project Gutenberg

In January 1787 Fitzgibbon introduced a stringent bill for repressing the Whiteboy outrages.

From Project Gutenberg