brigand
noun
brig·and ˈbri-gənd 
: one who lives by plunder usually as a member of a band : bandit
brigandage
ˈbri-gən-dij
noun 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Saúl is a brigand while Isabella is a noblewoman, and the tale tells of the couple’s struggle as their families oppose their union. 
Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 Scavenger is a brigand Gawain encounters on his journey. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2021 The ruler tops out at seven feet six inches, suggesting an absolutely colossal brigand. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2021 Across the pastures, gangs of grandchildren ran like brigands. Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2019 As Robin Hood, Daniel Reese creates a flesh-and-blood version of the storybook character, imbuing the Middle Ages brigand with a conscience for the poor and some humorous frailties. Pam Kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, 31 July 2017 Traveling by road even a few dozen miles outside the city can be a dicey proposition because of insurgents and brigands. David Jolly, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2016 See More
Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 Scavenger is a brigand Gawain encounters on his journey. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2021 The ruler tops out at seven feet six inches, suggesting an absolutely colossal brigand. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2021 Across the pastures, gangs of grandchildren ran like brigands. Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2019 As Robin Hood, Daniel Reese creates a flesh-and-blood version of the storybook character, imbuing the Middle Ages brigand with a conscience for the poor and some humorous frailties. Pam Kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, 31 July 2017 Traveling by road even a few dozen miles outside the city can be a dicey proposition because of insurgents and brigands. David Jolly, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2016 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English brigaunt, from Middle French brigand, from Old Italian brigante, from brigare to fight, from briga strife, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish bríg strength
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
brigand
noun
as in bandit
formal + old-fashioned a person who commits robbery usually as part of a group Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- bandit
- highwayman
- criminal
- pirate
- assassin
- outlaw
- desperado
- ruffian
- felon
- offender
- mafioso
- lawbreaker
- gangster
- thug
- crook
- perpetrator
- malefactor
- hoodlum
- scoundrel
- hooligan
- gunman
- perp
- mobster
- villain
- goon
- robber
- thief
- bravo
- hood
- rowdy
- gorilla
- gangsta
- roughneck
- punk
- bully
- tough
- gangbanger
- pickpocket
- yob
- racketeer
- swindler
- cutthroat
- toughie
- yobbo
- plug-ugly
- vandal
- toughy
- mug
- juvenile delinquent
- tearaway
