1. a heavily armed foot soldier or mercenary, especially one from Scotland or the Hebrides who served in Ireland during the Middle Ages.
Usage: historical; also spelled galloglass or galloglach

Examples

• The Irish chieftain hired gallowglasses from the Scottish islands to strengthen his forces.
• Gallowglasses were known for their skill with axes and heavy armor.
• During the 15th century, gallowglasses played a significant role in Irish warfare.
• The term gallowglass comes from the Irish word for foreign warrior.
• Many gallowglasses settled in Ireland and became integrated into local clans.