highwayman

[ hahy-wey-muhn ]

noun

, plural high·way·men.

1. (formerly) a holdup man, especially one on horseback, who robbed travelers along a public road.

highwayman

/ ˈhaɪˌweɪmən /

noun

1. (formerly) a robber, usually on horseback, who held up travellers

Word History and Origins

Origin of highwayman¹

First recorded in 1640–50; highway + -man

Example Sentences

A beau highwayman and a miserable chimney sweeper were to be hanged together at Newgate for their respective deserts.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon my word, I saw her making eyes at your highwayman the night we had him here.

From Project Gutenberg

If you must be married, could you introduce no body into our Family but a Highwayman?

From Project Gutenberg

A captivating romance of love and chivalry—the adventures of a charming highwayman of the days of the English Pretender.

From Project Gutenberg

Receiving no reply, he proceeded to extricate Eleanor, with whose beauty the inflammable highwayman was instantly smitten.

From Project Gutenberg