cateran

[ kat-er-uh n ]

/ ˈkæt ər ən /

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

Origin of cateran

1325–75; < Medieval Latin caterānus, Latinized form of Middle English (Scots) catherein < Scots Gaelic ceatharn; see kern¹

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

Lady of the Lake |Sir Walter Scott
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.

John Deane of Nottingham |W.H.G. Kingston
Then pressing my proffered hand in his, he turned away; and in a few minutes the Highland cateran was out of sight.

Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland |Various
"Clear the way, cateran," said the armourer, in the deep stern voice which corresponded with the breadth of his chest.

The Fair Maid of Perth |Sir Walter Scott

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

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 369, July 1846 |Various

cateran

/ (ˈkætərən) /

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

C14: probably from Scottish Gaelic ceathairneach robber, plunderer