noun
- heavily armed foot soldiers or mercenaries, especially those from Scotland or Ireland in medieval and early modern times
Usage: historical; plural form; singular is gallowglass; also spelled galloglass or gallowtree
Examples
- The Irish chieftain hired gallowglasses to strengthen his forces during the conflict.
- Gallowglasses were known for their distinctive armor and large axes.
- Historical records describe gallowglasses as formidable warriors in 16th-century Ireland.
- The lord recruited gallowglasses from the Scottish Highlands to defend his territory.