BAGAUDÆ, or BACAUDÆ, an ancient faction of peasants, or malecontents, who ravaged Gaul. The Gauls being oppressed with taxes, rose about the year of Christ 290, under the command of Amand and Elian; and assumed the name bagaudæ, which, according to some authors, signified in the Gallic language forced rebels, according to others tribute, according to others robbers; which last signification others allow the word had, but then it was only after the time of the bagaudæ, and doubtless took its rise from them.