RIBALDEST

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