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

The northern societies soon came to an end; but the organization of the Whiteboys continued to spread, and for a time it assumed alarming proportions.

From Is Ulster Right? by Anonymous

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

Well, you are great heroes and great warriors and great lads altogether to have put down the Browns the way you did, yourselves and the Whiteboys of the quarry.

From The Unicorn from the Stars and Other Plays by Gregory, Lady

But why, Alick, are you surrounded by such a number of Whiteboys.

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

I can imagine the representative of the Daily Mail finding material for very few sensational headlines in the Whiteboys Insurrection.

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