freebooter

The term “filibuster” began appearing in the mid-19th century, derived from a Dutch term for “freebooter” and the Spanish “filibusteros,” which were used to describe pirates, Senate records show.

The word comes from a Dutch term for “freebooter” and the Spanish “filibusteros” that were used to describe pirates.

Suddenly the mask of insolence dropped from the phantom freebooter’s countenance.

Those who survived possibly ended being sold as slaves, or joined the growing number of refugees and lawless freebooters as societies broke down.

Sometimes criminals—robbers, brigands, freebooters, highwaymen, hooligans, thugs, bandits, pirates, gangsters, outlaws—organize or join together in gangs or bands or mafias.