Rapparee meaning

A rapparee was a bandit or freebooter in Ireland during the 17th and 18th centuries.


Rapparee definitions

Word backwards eerappar
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division rap-pa-ree
Plural The plural form of the word "rapparee" is rapparees.
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (2) r,p

Known for their fearless and rebellious nature, rapparees were bandits and highwaymen who operated in Ireland and Scotland during the 17th and 18th centuries. These individuals were typically seen as outlaws by the authorities and were known for engaging in daring acts of robbery and theft.

Origins of Rapparees

The term "rapparee" is believed to have originated from the Irish phrase "rapaire," which means "half-pike" or "half-armed." This likely refers to the weapons that these bandits carried, such as swords, pistols, and muskets. Rapparees often targeted travelers, wealthy landowners, and government officials, making them a threat to law and order in the region.

Activities and Lifestyle

Rapparees were known for their nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place to avoid capture by the authorities. They often operated in small groups and were skilled in guerrilla warfare tactics, making them a formidable force to reckon with. These bandits would hide out in the rugged countryside, using their knowledge of the terrain to evade capture.

Decline of the Rapparees

As the 18th century progressed, the power of the rapparees began to wane. With the establishment of more effective law enforcement agencies and the introduction of harsher penalties for criminal activities, many rapparees were captured or killed. The romanticized image of the rapparee as a dashing outlaw began to fade, and they were eventually pushed to the fringes of society.

In conclusion, rapparees played a significant role in the history of Ireland and Scotland, standing as symbols of resistance against authority. While their actions were often criminal, they were also seen as heroes by some for their defiance and courage in the face of oppression.


Rapparee Examples

  1. The Irish rapparees fought against English forces in the 17th century.
  2. As a notorious rapparee, he was known for his daring raids on enemy outposts.
  3. The novel featured a brave rapparee as the protagonist, leading a rebellion against injustice.
  4. The local legend told of a mysterious rapparee who roamed the countryside seeking vengeance.
  5. The bandit was hailed as a hero by the townspeople, viewing him as a romanticized rapparee figure.
  6. The historical painting depicted a group of rapparees plotting their next attack.
  7. She dressed up as a rapparee for Halloween, complete with a bandana and toy pistol.
  8. The play told the story of a young rapparee torn between loyalty to his family and his own moral compass.
  9. Many ballads and folk songs were inspired by the exploits of daring rapparees from the past.
  10. In the olden days, a rapparee was a symbol of defiance against oppressive rulers.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 31/03/2024 - 22:20:51