bushranger

American  

[boosh-reyn-jer] / ˈbʊʃˌreɪn dʒər /

noun

1. a person who lives in the bush or woods.

2. Australian.

   1. a person who lives by robbing travelers and isolated homesteads in the bush.

   2. a person who drives a hard, and sometimes dishonest, bargain.

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bushranger British  

/ ˈbʊʃˌreɪndʒə /

noun

1. history an escaped convict or robber living in the bush

2. a person who lives away from civilization; backwoodsman

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Other Word Forms

• bushranging noun

Etymology

Origin of bushranger

First recorded in 1810–20; bush ¹ + ranger

Example Sentences

An exploration of Australian bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang as they attempt to evade authorities during the 1870s.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2021

Adaptation of Peter Carey’s award-winning novel about the Australian folk hero, with George MacKay as the bushranger who is tracked down by the authorities.

From The Guardian • May 12, 2020

Especially surrounded as we were by young guys sporting lush bushranger beards.

From The Guardian • Dec. 30, 2015

The bushranger was executed in November 1880 after a shootout with the police in the southern state of Victoria.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2013

The ‘three honourables,’ of whom the disguised bushranger captain is one, are together in a hotel.

From Australian Writers by Byrne, Desmond