brigand
[ brig-uhnd ]
/ ˈbrɪg ənd /
||
noun
a bandit, especially one of a band of robbers in mountain or forest regions.
Nearby words
brig. gen., brigade, brigadier, brigadier general, brigalow, brigand, brigandage, brigandine, brigantine, briggs, briggs, henry
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 FOR brigand
Related formsbrig·and·age, nounbrig·and·ish, adjectivebrig·and·ish·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for brigands
British Dictionary definitions for brigands
brigand
/ (ˈbrɪɡənd) /
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
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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.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper