robber baron
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.
Origin of robber baron
1First recorded in 1875–80
Words Nearby robber baron
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
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 | TimeHasn't Gauntmoor all the ancient inconveniences a robber baron could wish?
Humorous Ghost Stories | Dorothy Scarborough
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