Highwayman: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
highwayman
[ หhaษชweษชmษn ]
historical context
A highwayman is traditionally a person, typically a man, who robs travelers on public roads. In the 17th and 18th centuries, highwaymen were often portrayed as romanticized bandits in English folklore. They would usually ride on horseback and use firearms or swords to intimidate their victims. Although they were seen as outlaws, some highwaymen became notorious figures, acquiring a certain level of notoriety and legend surrounding their deeds. The practice became less common with the development of law enforcement and improvements in societal safety.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The highwayman stopped the carriage and demanded money.
- In the story, the highwayman had a heart of gold.
- Many feared crossing the moors at night because of the highwayman.
- She wrote a poem about a daring highwayman.
Translations
Translations of the word "highwayman" in other languages:
๐ต๐น bandido
๐ฎ๐ณ เคกเคพเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Straรenrรคuber
๐ฎ๐ฉ perampok jalan
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพะทะฑัะนะฝะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ bandyta
๐ฏ๐ต ๅผท็
๐ซ๐ท bandit
๐ช๐ธ bandido
๐น๐ท haydut
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ฐ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุต
๐จ๐ฟ zbojnรญk
๐ธ๐ฐ zbojnรญk
๐จ๐ณ ๅผบ็
๐ธ๐ฎ ropar
๐ฎ๐ธ rรฆningji
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะฐัะฐาัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ quldur
๐ฒ๐ฝ bandido
Etymology
The word 'highwayman' originated in England during the late 16th century. It is derived from the combination of 'highway', meaning a main road or public thoroughfare, and 'man', referring to a male individual. Initially, the term signified anyone who traveled the highways, but it soon evolved to specifically denote those who preyed upon travelers. During the tumultuous periods of the English Civil War and the subsequent restoration, such criminal activities saw a considerable rise. Highwaymen became infamous, often depicted in literature and ballads as charming rogues, which exemplified public fascination with their daring exploits and rebellious spirit. Although the romanticized image has somewhat overshadowed the realities of their violent actions, the legacy of the highwayman remains firmly entrenched in British folklore and the cultural imagination.