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cateran

[ kat-er-uhn ]

noun

  1. (formerly) a freebooter or marauder of the Scottish Highlands.


cateran

/ ˈkætərən /

noun

  1. (formerly) a member of a band of brigands and marauders in the Scottish highlands


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Word History and Origins

Origin of cateran1

1325–75; < Medieval Latin caterānus, Latinized form of Middle English ( Scots ) catherein < Scots Gaelic ceatharn; kern 1

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cateran1

C14: probably from Scottish Gaelic ceathairneach robber, plunderer

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Example Sentences

The kern or cateran of the Highlands was a light-armed infantryman, as opposed to the heavy-armed "gallowglass."

"Clear the way, cateran," said the armourer, in the deep stern voice which corresponded with the breadth of his chest.

We hae hangit a Highland cateran without trial afore this, and we may be tempted to tak the law into our ain hands again.

They will have no black-mail to pay, either to Master Nevis or to any other cateran who is in the habit of levying it on the road.

This missing youth turns out to be identical with the cateran of Drumshorlan.

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