robber baron

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noun

History/Historical. a noble who robbed travelers passing through his lands.

a ruthlessly powerful U.S. capitalist or industrialist of the late 19th century considered to have become wealthy by exploiting natural resources, corrupting legislators, or other unethical means.

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Origin of robber baron

First recorded in 1875–80

Words nearby robber baron

robalo, roband, Robbe-Grillet, Robben Island, robber, robber baron, robber barons, robber crab, robber fly, robber frog, robber trench

How to use robber baron in a sentence

The robber barons of old, the men who founded American capitalism in the industrial era, behaved exactly like mob bosses, plundering, bribing and pillaging their way to the top.
What My Mobster Grandfather Understood About American Capitalism|Russell Shorto|March 17, 2021|Time
In 2012, the Kazakh foreign minister actually thanked Baron Cohen for making the movie.
When Countries Lose Their Shit Over American Movies|Asawin Suebsaeng|December 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Adam Baron, who reported for McClatchy and the Christian Science Monitor, was deported in May without any government explanation.
Obama’s ‘Yemen Model’ for the War on ISIS Is a Wreck|Shuaib Almosawa|September 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Robber Nerds, like the Robber Barons, have given tons of money to charity.
Up To a Point: Robber Barons Make Way For Robber Nerds|P. J. O’Rourke|August 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Robber Nerds exploit the poor working stiffs—but they do it in China and India where nobody gives a damn.
Up To a Point: Robber Barons Make Way For Robber Nerds|P. J. O’Rourke|August 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I told Seiler that I certainly did remember Edo Vanni, an outfielder who passed through briefly as a Baron.
The Great Paul Hemphill Celebrates the Long Gone Birmingham Barons|Paul Hemphill|March 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“This house must have been the hotel of some distinguished family, Baron; it is nobly proportioned,” said David Arden.
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Q was a Queen, who wore a silk slip; R was a Robber, and wanted a whip.
Boys and Girls Bookshelf; a Practical Plan of Character Building, Volume I (of 17)|Various
Monsieur,” growls the baron, “stone walls have ears, you say if only they had tongues; what tales these could tell!
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
It was true that his sight had grown accustomed to the obscurity, for he could now see the baron's features much more distinctly.
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
The baron turned full upon him, and leaned his shoulders against the iron door of the recess.
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu