 | WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
| WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
Ribald
Pronunciation : Rib"ald
Part of Speech : n./
Etymology : [OE. ribald, ribaud, F. ribaud, OF. ribald, ribault, LL. ribaldus, of German origin; cf. OHG hripa prostitute. For the ending -ald cf. E. Herald.]
Definition : Defn: A low, vulgar, brutal, foul-mouthed wretch; a lewd fellow. Spenser. Pope. Ribald was almost a class name in the feudal system . . . He was his patron's parasite, bulldog, and tool . . . It is not to be wondered at that the word rapidly became a synonym for everything ruffianly and brutal. Earle.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
Pronunciation : Rib"ald
Part of Speech : a.
Definition : Defn: Low; base; mean; filthy; obscene. The busy day, Waked by the lark, hath roused the ribald crows. Shak.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
Merriam-Webster's Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder                               |