/ban"dit/ , n. , pl. bandits or ( Rare ) banditti /ban dit"ee/ .
1. a robber, esp. a member of a gang or marauding band.
2. an outlaw or highwayman.
3. Informal.
a. a person who takes unfair advantage of others, as a merchant who overcharges; swindler; cheat.
b. a vendor, cab driver, etc., who operates a business or works without a required license or permit, and without observing the usual rules or practices.
4. Mil. Informal. an enemy aircraft, esp. an attacking fighter.
5. make out like a bandit , Slang. to be extremely successful; profit greatly: The early investors in the company have made out like bandits.
[ 1585-95; earlier bandetto, pl. banditti banditi outlaws, pl. of bandito proscribed, ptp. of bandire banish, exile, announce publicly bandwjan to make a sign, indicate (cf. BAND 1 ) with v. suffix - ire ire ]
Syn. 1, 2. brigand, desperado.