Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
highwayman
noun
/ˈhaɪ.weɪ.mən/
Definition
A historical term for a robber who steals from travelers on public roads.
Examples
- The legendary highwayman Dick Turpin was known for his daring exploits in England.
- They traveled through the countryside, wary of being ambushed by a highwayman.
Meaning
Highwaymen were often associated with a certain romanticism in literature, but they posed a real threat to travelers, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Synonyms
- robber
- bandit
- mugger
- thief
