Brig"and (brĭg"and), n. [F.
brigand, OF. brigant light-armed soldier, fr. LL.
brigans light-armed soldier (cf. It. brigante.) fr.
brigare to strive, contend, fr. briga quarrel; prob. of
German origin, and akin to E. break; cf. Goth. brikan to
break, brakja strife. Cf. Brigue.] 1. A
light-armed, irregular foot soldier. [Obs.]
2. A lawless fellow who lives by plunder; one of a
band of robbers; especially, one of a gang living in mountain retreats; a
highwayman; a freebooter.
Giving them not a little the air of brigands or
banditti.
Jeffery.