brigand

[brig-uhnd]

noun

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

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

Related formsbrig·and·age, nounbrig·and·ish, adjectivebrig·and·ish·ly, adverb

Synonyms for brigand

outlaw, highwayman, desperado, cutthroat.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for brigands

outlaw, desperado, thief, highwayman, bandit, soldier, pirate, robber, marauder, pillager, footpad, freebooter

Examples from the Web for brigands

Contemporary Examples of brigands

The Rome government dismissed these peasant rebels as mere "brigands."
David's Book Club: Who Ruined Southern Italy?
David Frum
July 31, 2012
Oh how often have knowledge and keen wits and understandings/ Been as deadly as brigands or ghouls to the wayfarer.
Imperial Locavores
Ian Klaus
August 29, 2011

Historical Examples of brigands

In April, 1870, a party of English travelers in Greece were seized by brigands.
The Grand Old Man
Richard B. Cook
"Brigands of the Moon" is getting more and more interesting.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science September 1930
Various
He was a victim of the band of brigands commanded by Beau-Francois.
A Zola Dictionary
J. G. Patterson
Angers has fallen, and now the brigands are threatening Nantes itself.
The Historical Nights' Entertainment
Rafael Sabatini
What have you done with the fifteen brigands I sent you this evening?
The Historical Nights' Entertainment
Rafael Sabatini

British Dictionary definitions for brigands

brigand

noun

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

Derived Formsbrigandage or brigandry, noun

Word Origin for brigand

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for brigands

brigand

c.1400, "lightly armed foot soldier," from Old French brigand (14c.), from Italian brigante "trooper, skirmisher, foot soldier," from brigare (see brigade). Sense of "one who lives by pillaging" is from early 15c., reflecting the lack of distinction between professional mercenary armies and armed, organized criminals.