ribald Hear it!

ribald definition

rib·ald (rib′əld)

adjective

characterized by coarse or vulgar joking or mocking; esp., dealing with sex in a humorously earthy or direct way

Etymology: ME ribaude < OFr ribaud, debauchee < riber, to be wanton < OHG riban, to copulate, lit., to rub < IE *wreip-, to twist > Gr rhipē, a throw, rush, storm

noun

a ribald person

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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