highwayman

American  

[hahy-wey-muhn] / ˈhaɪˌweɪ mən /

noun

plural

highwaymen

1. (formerly) a holdup man, especially one on horseback, who robbed travelers along a public road.

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highwayman British  

/ ˈhaɪˌweɪmən /

noun

1. (formerly) a robber, usually on horseback, who held up travellers

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Etymology

Origin of highwayman

First recorded in 1640–50; highway + -man

Example Sentences

Rachel says the locals would enjoy telling them stories about how the forest is reputedly haunted by the ghosts of legendary highwayman Dick Turpin, Queen Boudicca and many more.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

“Dick Turpin” stars Noel Fielding, best known here from “The Great British Baking Show,” as a potted version of the legendary 17th century highwayman, the accidental leader of a gang of brigands.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2024

How many other writers could convincingly depict a blind highwayman or cap that eerie encounter with a duel on bagpipes between Alan and a son of the famous Rob Roy?

From Washington Post • Jan. 20, 2021

On this date in 1879, the stages between Maricopa and Phoenix were held up so frequently that acting Gov. John W. Gasper offered a bounty of $500 for every highwayman caught in the act.

From Washington Times • Aug. 9, 2017

Everyone knew that the difference between an unemployed mercenary and a highwayman was mostly one of timing.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss