brigand
[brig-uh nd]
- a bandit, especially one of a band of robbers in mountain or forest regions.
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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
Synonyms
See more synonyms for brigand on Thesaurus.comoutlaw, highwayman, desperado, cutthroat.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for brigands
Contemporary Examples
The Rome government dismissed these peasant rebels as mere "brigands."
Oh how often have knowledge and keen wits and understandings/ Been as deadly as brigands or ghouls to the wayfarer.
Historical Examples
In April, 1870, a party of English travelers in Greece were seized by brigands.
The Grand Old ManRichard B. Cook
"Brigands of the Moon" is getting more and more interesting.
He was a victim of the band of brigands commanded by Beau-Francois.
A Zola DictionaryJ. G. Patterson
Angers has fallen, and now the brigands are threatening Nantes itself.
The Historical Nights' EntertainmentRafael Sabatini
What have you done with the fifteen brigands I sent you this evening?
The Historical Nights' EntertainmentRafael Sabatini
brigand
- a bandit or plunderer, esp a member of a gang operating in mountainous areas
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Word Origin
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
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Word Origin and History for brigands
brigand
n.
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper