Whiteboy

British  

/ ˈwaɪtbɔɪ /

noun

1. Irish history a member of a secret society of violent agrarian protest, formed around 1760

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Etymology

Origin of Whiteboy

C18: adopted from the earlier use of the phrase as a term of endearment for a boy or man

Example Sentences

The tithe system was another all but unendurable burden, and it was against the tithe proctors that the worst of the Whiteboy outrages were committed.

From The Story of Ireland by Lawless, Emily

In so far as it can be regarded as spontaneous, it was of Whiteboy origin, anti-tithe and anti-rack-rent.

From The Framework of Home Rule by Childers, Erskine

In January 1787 Fitzgibbon introduced a stringent bill for repressing the Whiteboy outrages.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 4 "Cincinnatus" to "Cleruchy" by Various

Burke had watched all movements in his native country, from the Whiteboy insurrection of 1761 downwards, with steady vigilance, and he watched the new movement of 1792 with the keenest eyes.

From Burke by Morley, John

"This gentleman is—" "Larry O'Trap, a Spy and Whiteboy Agent," said Val, looking into the Hue and Cry, and again surveying Easel.

From Valentine M'Clutchy, The Irish Agent The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by Carleton, William