Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BRIGANER, Brigander, n. [′brɪgən(d)ər]
1. A thief, a robber; “jocularly applied to a child who shows a disposition to appropriate anything or everything” (Bnff.2 1936).Abd.(D) 1767 R. Forbes Jnl. from London, etc. (1869) 16:
On the tither hand I did na' care to stilp upo, my queets, far fear o' the briganers.
2. “A person of rude, boisterous manners” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 218, brigander). Bnff.2 1936 says: still or till recently in common use.
[O.Sc. briganner (c.1650), from O.Sc. brigane, brigand (c.1470) (D.O.S.T.); O.Fr. and Mod.Eng. brigand.]
