RIBALDER
RIBALD
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