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(), n./[OE. ribald, ribaud, F. ribaud, OF. ribald, ribault, LL. ribaldus, of German origin; cf. OHG hrpa 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 a.Low; base; mean; filthy; obscene. The busy day, Waked by the lark, hath roused the ribald crows. Shak. スポンサード リンク
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