cateran

[ kat-er-uhn ]

noun
  1. (formerly) a freebooter or marauder of the Scottish Highlands.

Origin of cateran

1
1325–75; <Medieval Latin caterānus, Latinized form of Middle English (Scots ) catherein<Scots Gaelic ceatharn;see kern1

Words Nearby cateran

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use cateran in a sentence

  • The kern or cateran of the Highlands was a light-armed infantryman, as opposed to the heavy-armed "gallowglass."

    Lady of the Lake | Sir Walter Scott
  • "Clear the way, cateran," said the armourer, in the deep stern voice which corresponded with the breadth of his chest.

    The Fair Maid of Perth | Sir Walter Scott
  • We hae hangit a Highland cateran without trial afore this, and we may be tempted to tak the law into our ain hands again.

    The Lancashire Witches | William Harrison Ainsworth
  • They will have no black-mail to pay, either to Master Nevis or to any other cateran who is in the habit of levying it on the road.

    John Deane of Nottingham | W.H.G. Kingston
  • This missing youth turns out to be identical with the cateran of Drumshorlan.

British Dictionary definitions for cateran

cateran

/ (ˈkætərən) /


noun
  1. (formerly) a member of a band of brigands and marauders in the Scottish highlands

Origin of cateran

1
C14: probably from Scottish Gaelic ceathairneach robber, plunderer

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