RIBALD

bawdy, off-color, ribald

(adjective) humorously vulgar; “bawdy songs”; “off-color jokes”; “ribald language”

ribald

(noun) a ribald person; someone who uses vulgar and offensive language

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

ribald (comparative more ribald, superlative most ribald)

Coarsely, vulgarly, or lewdly amusing; referring to sexual matters in a rude or irreverent way.

Noun

ribald (plural ribalds)

An individual who is filthy or vulgar in nature.

Anagrams

• bridal, labrid

Source: Wiktionary


Rib"ald, n./ Etym: [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: 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, a.

Definition: Low; base; mean; filthy; obscene. The busy day, Waked by the lark, hath roused the ribald crows. Shak.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

17 June 2025

RECREANT

(adjective) having deserted a cause or principle; “some provinces had proved recreant”; “renegade supporters of the usurper”


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