Whiteboys

American  

[hwahyt-boiz, wahyt-] / ˈʰwaɪtˌbɔɪz, ˈwaɪt- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a secret agrarian peasant organization, active in Ireland during the early 1760s, whose members wore white shirts for recognition on their night raids to destroy crops, barns, and other property in redressing grievances against landlords and protesting the paying of tithes.

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Etymology

Origin of Whiteboys

white + boy + -s ³

Example Sentences

He raised a Yeomanry Corps at the time of the Whiteboys to guard the country against these lawless bands, and against the dreaded French invasion.

From The Reminiscences of an Irish Land Agent by Gordon, Home, Sir, Bart.

You remember when the Whiteboys were so troublesome, in our dear father's time, what life the officers stationed here then, threw into the country round.

From Rossmoyne by Unknown

M'Carthy at once recognized that of the unknown friend who had warned him of danger on the night he encountered the Whiteboys, as already described.

From The Tithe-Proctor The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by Carleton, William

Some were afraid he'd give up the names of the other Whiteboys; but he did not.

From Poets and Dreamers Studies and translations from the Irish by Gregory, Lady

The Whiteboys, on being admitted, took it for granted that those who opened the door belonged to themselves and had got in by some other entrance.

From The Tithe-Proctor The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by Carleton, William