Brigand
/ˈbrɪɡ.ənd/noun
A robber or bandit, especially one who ambushes travelers or operates in a gang.
Did you know?The word was originally tied to armed men in a gang or troop in medieval French, and only later hardened into the meaning “bandit,” showing how labels for force can flip into curses.
Etymological Timeline
13th Century
Old French
brigand
“an armed man; a foot soldier or member of a band”
Late Medieval French
French
brigand
“a marauder, robber, or outlaw”
Late 14th Century
Middle English
brigand
“a robber or highwayman”
Modern English
English
brigand
“a bandit or armed robber”