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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Giving them not a little the air of brigands or banditti. Jeffery. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. brigandage. ] Life and practice of brigands; highway robbery; plunder. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. brigandine (cf. It. brigantina), fr. OF. brigant. See Brigand. ] A coast of armor for the body, consisting of scales or plates, sometimes overlapping each other, generally of metal, and sewed to linen or other material. It was worn in the Middle Ages. [ Written also brigantine. ] Jer. xlvi. 4. [ 1913 Webster ]

Then put on all thy gorgeous arms, thy helmet,
And brigandine of brass. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Like a brigand or freebooter; robberlike. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Brigandage. [ 1913 Webster ]