bravo

Definition

A hired soldier; an assassin; a desperado.

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian bravo. Doublet of brave.

Example Sentences

• "As for Rochester, he had not genius enough to enter the lists with Dryden, so he fell upon another method of revenge; and meanly hired bravoes to assault him."
• "Men have before hired bravos to transact their crimes, while their own person and reputation sat under shelter."
• ""Why should I fight the King of England's bravoes?" inquired Acour in a languid voice of those who stood about him, a question at which they laughed."