brigand

American  

[brig-uhnd] / ˈbrɪg ənd /

noun

1. a bandit, especially one of a band of robbers in mountain or forest regions.

   Synonyms:

   cutthroat, desperado, highwayman, outlaw

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brigand British  

/ ˈbrɪɡənd /

noun

1. a bandit or plunderer, esp a member of a gang operating in mountainous areas

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Other Word Forms

• brigandage noun
• brigandish adjective
• brigandishly adverb

Etymology

Origin of brigand

1350–1400; variant of Middle English briga ( u ) nt < Middle French brigand < Old Italian brigante companion, member of an armed company, equivalent to brig ( are ) to treat, deal (with), make war (derivative of briga trouble, strife; of uncertain origin) + -ante -ant

Example Sentences

Set upon by brigands, she dispatches them all — to her own amazement and delight — with superhuman strength and speed and the usual repertoire of martial arts twirls, kicks and dodges.

From Los Angeles Times

The aliens and brigands still look like summer-stock extras, and the cannon fodder among the junior officers can still be discerned a mile off.

From New York Times

Black and brown police officers fought back against Trump's brigands.

From Salon

Not only that, the medieval lord was also the primary unit of legal, civic and military power, often serving as the first stop for legal matters and the first defense against brigands and rival kingdoms.

From Salon

"A crook! A pirate! A brigand! A rustler!"

From Literature