Pl. bravoes (-os). [a. It. bravo: cf. BRAVE. Long naturalized in Eng.]
1. A daring villain, a hired soldier or assassin; ‘a man who murders for hire’ (J.); a reckless desperado.
1597. Daniel, Civ. Wars, III. lxxii. This bravo cheers these dastards all he can.
1632. Massinger, Maid of Hon., IV. v. Setting-on your desperate bravo To murder him.
1668. R. L’Estrange, Vis. Quev. (1708), 217. Cassius and my self were but your Bravos.
1711. Steele, Spect., No. 136, ¶ 3. I have been three Nights together dogged by Bravoes.
1761. Hume, Hist. Eng., I. vii. 155. Those bravoes, or disorderly soldiers, with whom every country in Europe … abounded.
1813. Shelley, Q. Mab, IV. 178. The hired bravos who defend The tyrant’s throne.
1876. Green, Short Hist., viii. § 6. 528. While the bravoes of Whitehall laid hands on their leaders.
† 2. = BRAVADO. Obs. rare.
1609. B. Jonson, Sil. Wom., III. vi. (1616), 563. Is this your Brauo, ladies?
1713. Lond. & Country Brewer, IV. (1743), 289. For keeping them to a great Age out of a Bravo.
