Gallowglass
/ˈɡæl.oʊ.ɡlæs/noun
A heavily armed Gaelic mercenary soldier, especially one serving in medieval or early modern Ireland.
Did you know?Gallowglass warriors were chiefly descended from Scottish Hebridean and Highland clans, and Irish lords prized them as heavily armored professional infantry.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Antiquity
Latin
Gallus
“A Gaul, or inhabitant of Gaul; the source of the Gaelic word for a foreigner.”
Early Irish
Old Irish
gall
“A foreigner or non-Gael, later especially a person of Scandinavian or other external origin.”
Old Irish
Old Irish
óclach
“A young man, warrior, or serving fighter; built from óc, meaning “young.””
Medieval Irish
Irish
gallóglach
“A foreign warrior or mercenary soldier; literally gall, “foreigner,” plus óglach, “warrior.””
15th–16th Century
English
gallowglass
“An English rendering of Irish gallóglaigh, referring to the Scottish-Irish mercenary infantry who served Irish chiefs.”
Modern English
English
gallowglass
“A heavily armed Gaelic mercenary soldier, or figuratively a formidable hired enforcer.”