Late 18th century; earliest use found in James Anderson (1739–1808), agriculturist and political economist. In some forms, probably ultimately from Marathi pẽḍhārī marauder from pẽḍhār band of marauders, depredation, perhaps influenced by Gujarati piṇḍārɔ. In some forms from Hindi piṇḍāra mendicant, marauder from Sanskrit piṇḍāra religious mendicant from piṇḍa lump of meal as alms.