brigand

[ brig-uhnd ]

noun

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

   Synonyms: cutthroat, desperado, highwayman, outlaw

brigand

/ ˈbrɪɡənd /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˈbrigandage, noun

Other Words From

• brigand·age noun
• brigand·ish adjective
• brigand·ish·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of brigand¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of brigand¹

C14: from Old French, from Old Italian brigante fighter, from brigare to fight, from briga strife, of Celtic origin

Example Sentences

Men who had fled other camps and been set upon by brigands had been known to beg the nearest Ottoman official they could find to take them back.

From The Daily Beast

The Spaniards, indeed, feigned to regard them only as a remnant of the rebels who had joined the pre-existing brigand bands.

From Project Gutenberg

This was the flourishing time of the notorious Fra Diavolo, who began as brigand and blossomed into a patriot.

From Project Gutenberg

In the East the brigand has had a freer scope, and has even founded kingdoms.

From Project Gutenberg

The patriot band attracts the brigand proper, who is not averse to continue his old courses under an honourable pretext.

From Project Gutenberg

A Kurdish brigand chief with a large banking account in England sounds a wildly impossible conception.

From Project Gutenberg