Beware Of … Brigands?

So, in a cautionary text to my daughter I warned her against brigands. Brigands? The word, giving testament to a childhood with my nose buried in classic stories, just popped up. At least I didn’t tell her to beware of knaves and highwaymen — Cheryl-Anne Millsap, via Facebook.

Question: Do you have a favorite, old-fashion word for brigands and other bad guys?