Rob Roy
- proper noun
- /rɑb rɔɪ/
- The legend of Rob Roy continues to inspire storytellers across Scotland.
Examples
-
Sir Walter Scott's novel brought Rob Roy to international fame.
-
The legend of Rob Roy continues to inspire many.
-
Many historians debate the true character of Rob Roy as both hero and outlaw.
-
Have you read about Rob Roy in history class?
-
In the story, Rob Roy is portrayed as a brave leader of his clan who defies authority.
-
The novel about Rob Roy depicts his adventures in the Scottish Highlands.
-
Many people admire Rob Roy for his resistance against oppressive rule in Scotland.
Synonyms
A leader of a Scottish clan and an outlaw who fought the government in the early 1700s
Surface Forms
Morphology
Rob + Roy
This is a proper name for a specific cocktail (named after the historical/fictional figure Rob Roy) rather than a compositional phrase. Knowing the constituent words 'Rob' and 'Roy' (personal names) gives no clue to the drink's ingredients or meaning, so the sense is lexicalized and unpredictable to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Rob Roy comes from a real Scottish man, Robert Roy MacGregor, an 18th-century clan leader and outlaw who became a folk hero. Sir Walter Scott's novel made Rob Roy famous around the world, so today the name usually refers to that well-known man.