maraud
UK[məˈrɔːd]US[məˈrɑːd]
v
to roam about and raid in search of plunder
n
a raid for plunder
Etymology
the word 'maraud' entered english in the 17th century from the french verb 'marauder', meaning 'to roam about like a vagabond'. this french term is believed to derive from the dialectal word 'maraud', meaning 'rogue' or 'rascal', which itself may be connected to the old french 'marault', a term of abuse. the core logic of the word has consistently centered on the idea of predatory, disorderly movement with criminal intent, evolving from a label for a person to describe the act of plundering itself.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form borrowed as a whole from french.
Examples
the bandits would maraud through the countryside, stealing livestock.
historical accounts describe the constant threat of maraud by enemy soldiers.
the comic book villain led a band of mutants to maraud the city.