1. a member of an armed band of robbers, especially in India or Southeast Asia
Usage: chiefly historical; from Hindi ḍakait

Examples

• The dakoit gang operated along the mountain passes for decades.
• Colonial records documented encounters with dakoits in rural Bengal.
• The village hired guards to protect against dakoits and other criminals.
• Dakoits were known for their organized raids on merchant caravans.
• The police force was established partly to combat dakoits in the region.