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Webster 1913 Edition
Ribald
Rib′ald
,Noun.
[OE.
ribald
, ribaud
, F. ribaud
, OF. ribald
, ribault
, LL. ribaldus
, of German origin; cf. OHG hrīpa
prostitute. For the ending -ald
cf. E. Herald
.] 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.
Rib′ald
,Adj.
Low; base; mean; filthy; obscene.
The busy day,
Waked by the lark, hath roused the
Waked by the lark, hath roused the
ribald
crows. Shakespeare
Webster 1828 Edition
Ribald
RIB'ALD
, n.A low, vulgar, brutal wretch; a lewd fellow.
RIB'ALD
,Adj.