Highwaymen: meaning, definitions and examples
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highwaymen
[ ˈhaɪweɪ.mən ]
historical term
Highwaymen were robbers who stole from travelers on public roads in England during the 17th and 18th centuries. They often used horses to make quick getaways after committing their crimes. Highwaymen are often romanticized in literature and folklore, depicted as dashing figures who would hold up carriages and demand money from passengers.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The notorious highwayman Dick Turpin became a legend.
- Many highwaymen would wear masks to conceal their identities.
- Travelers in the countryside feared encountering highwaymen.
- Some highwaymen operated in groups to increase their chances of success.
Translations
Translations of the word "highwaymen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cavaleiros
🇮🇳 राजमार्ग लुटेरे
🇩🇪 Straßenräuber
🇮🇩 perampok jalan
🇺🇦 шосейні розбійники
🇵🇱 drogowi rabusie
🇯🇵 ハイウェイマン
🇫🇷 bandits de grand chemin
🇪🇸 bandoleros
🇹🇷 yol kesen
🇰🇷 고속도로 강도
🇸🇦 لصوص الطرق
🇨🇿 silniční lupiči
🇸🇰 cestní lupiči
🇨🇳 公路强盗
🇸🇮 cestni roparji
🇮🇸 vegalútar
🇰🇿 асфальт жолы қарақшылары
🇬🇪 მოძრაობის ქურდები
🇦🇿 yol quldurları
🇲🇽 ladrón de carretera
Etymology
The term 'highwayman' originated in the late 16th century and is derived from the combination of 'highway', meaning a main road, and 'man', referring to a male individual. These criminals emerged during a time when travel was becoming more common, but law enforcement was limited outside urban areas. Highwaymen typically targeted stagecoaches and wealthy travelers, taking advantage of the isolated routes of the countryside. The phenomenon of highway robbery peaked in the 18th century when such crimes became notorious, leading to an increase in public concern. Many highwaymen became infamous, and their exploits were celebrated in popular ballads and stories. Over time, the rise of effective policing and changes in transportation led to the decline of highwaymen as a societal issue.