What does gallowglass mean?
A gallowglass was a member of an elite corps of professional mercenary soldiers who served the Gaelic Irish nobility from the mid-13th century onward. Of mixed Norse-Gaelic Scottish origin, gallowglasses were heavily armed and armored infantry, typically wielding large battle axes, and formed the core of many Irish chiefs' fighting forces for several centuries. The word derives from the Irish 'gallóglach,' meaning 'foreign warrior' or 'foreign youth,' reflecting their Scottish origins. Gallowglasses are perhaps most famously referenced in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' where they appear alongside lighter-armed 'kerns' as part of a formidable military force. Today, the term survives mainly in historical and literary contexts, valued for its evocation of medieval warfare and its distinctive, memorable name.
nounA gallowglass is a member of an elite class of mercenary soldiers of Norse-Scottish origin who served as heavily armed foot soldiers in Irish clans from the mid-13th century onward.
- An elite Scottish-Norse mercenary soldier serving in Irish clans, typically heavily armed and armored.
"The chieftain's gallowglass stood guard at the gate, axe in hand."
"The gallowglass formed the backbone of the clan's fighting force."
"Shakespeare's Macbeth mentions 'the merciless Macdonwald... supplied with kerns and gallowglasses.'"
The plural is standardly 'gallowglasses'; the original Irish collective 'gallóglaigh' is sometimes encountered in historical texts.
"Several gallowglasses were stationed along the border."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gallowglass
The word 'gallowglass' comes from the Irish 'gallóglach,' meaning 'foreign warrior' or 'foreign lad,' where 'gall' denotes a foreigner and 'óglaigh' relates to warriors or young men. These soldiers were originally Norse-Gaelic mercenaries from the Hebrides and western Scotland who entered Ireland in the mid-13th century. The English form entered the language during the Tudor period as English forces encountered them in Ireland.
Easily confused with gallowglass
'Gallows' refers to a structure used for execution by hanging, while 'gallowglass' refers to a type of mercenary soldier.