robber baron
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robber baron
n.
1. One of the American industrial or financial magnates of the late 1800s who became wealthy by unethical means, such as questionable stock-market operations and exploitation of labor.
2. A feudal lord who robbed travelers passing through his domain.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
robber baron
n
(Commerce) a person who has made a very large amount of money and has been prepared to act illegally or in an immoral way in order to do so.
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
rob′ber bar`on
n.
1. a U.S. capitalist of the late 19th century who became wealthy by ruthless and unethical means.
2. a feudal noble who robbed travelers passing through his lands.
[1875–80]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.