lootien.
/ˈluːti/, U.S. /ˈludi/, Indian English /ˈluːʈi/ Anglo-Indian.
In plural. A term applied, in India, to a body of native irregulars whose chief object in warfare was plunder. In wider sense, a band of marauders or robbers. Also rarely in singular, one of such a band or gang.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > robber > sacker, raider, or looter > [noun] > following army > collectively
looties1778
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > robber > sacker, raider, or looter > [noun] > following army
venturer1572
lootie-wallah1782
looties1827
1778 R. Orme Hist. Mil. Trans. Brit. Nation II. 129 A body of their Louchees, or plunderers, who are armed with clubs..attacked the houses of the natives.
1791 Gentleman's Mag. 61 77/1 These irregulars of the enemy [in the East Indies], distinguished by the name of Looties, continued their depredations.
1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. II. xiii. 314 I will find the dagger of a Lootie which shall reach thee, wert thou sheltered under the folds of the Nawaub's garment.
1876 J. Grant Hist. India I. lv. 279/1.
1884 W. L. Whipple in Bib. Soc. Rec. Sept. 131 A noted lutee, or rogue.
Derivatives
lootie-wallah n. [ < Hindi lūṭīwālā: see wallah n.] a member of a gang of looties.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > robber > sacker, raider, or looter > [noun] > following army
venturer1572
lootie-wallah1782
looties1827
1782 I. Munro Narr. Milit. Operat. (1789) 295 Even the rascally Lootywallahs, or Misorian hussars..now pressed upon our flanks and rear.
1800 T. T. Robarts Indian Gloss. Lootywalla, see Looties.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. Lootywallow, Ind., a term of the same import as Looties.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1903; most recently modified version published online September 2022).
<
n.1778