1. a Highland robber or bandit, especially one from Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries
Usage: historical; chiefly Scottish

Examples

• The cateran roamed the Scottish Highlands, preying on travelers and merchants.
• Local legends spoke of a notorious cateran who had eluded capture for decades.
• Caterans were often hired as mercenaries by feuding clans.
• The government sent soldiers to suppress the bands of caterans operating in the region.
• Historical records describe caterans as both feared criminals and folk heroes to some communities.