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

See Examples For:

Whiteboys

He meant by that that he didn't give up the names of the other Whiteboys.

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

The worst feature in this case was the danger to be apprehended from Foodie Flattery's disclosures, should he take it into his head to 'peach upon his brother Whiteboys.

From Phelim Otoole's Courtship and Other Stories Traits And Stories Of The Irish Peasantry, The Works of William Carleton, Volume Three by William Carleton

Having now passed through a considerable extent of country, in which the Whiteboys were common, and committed many outrages, I shall here review the intelligence I received concerning them throughout the county of Kilkenny. 

From A Tour in Ireland 1776-1779 by Henry Morley

It was supposed that the Whiteboys had their meetings in Catholic chapels.

From Irish History and the Irish Question by Goldwin Smith

Of Michael and the Whiteboys nothing was to be seen.

From Further Experiences of an Irish R.M. by Martin Ross