Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- a bandit, especially one of a band of robbers in mountain or forest regions.
noun
- a bandit or plunderer, esp a member of a gang operating in mountainous areas
c.1400, “lightly armed foot soldier,” from Old French brigand (14c.), from Italian brigante “trooper, skirmisher, foot soldier,” from brigare (see brigade). Sense of “one who lives by pillaging” is from early 15c., reflecting the lack of distinction between professional mercenary armies and armed, organized criminals.