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brigand

bandit

noun bree-GAHN Rare

Origin: Italian 'brigante'

Also means

brigand

Usage Note

Brigand is a somewhat old-fashioned or literary word for an armed robber or outlaw, evoking historical highway bandits. Children's stories often feature des brigands in a romanticised way. The more neutral modern synonym is bandit. The feminine brigande exists but is rarely used.

Examples

"Les brigands ont attaqué la diligence."

Natural Translation

The bandits attacked the stagecoach.

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