Bold

Bold, v. i. To be or become bold. [Obs.]

Bold (?), v. t. To make bold or daring. [Obs.] Shak.

Bold (bōld), a. [OE. bald, bold, AS. bald, beald; akin to Icel. ballr, OHG. bald, MHG. balt, D. boud, Goth. balþei boldness, It. baldo. In Ger. there remains only bald, adv. soon. Cf. Bawd, n.] 1. Forward to meet danger; venturesome; daring; not timorous or shrinking from risk; brave; courageous.

Throngs of knights and barons bold.
Milton.

2. Exhibiting or requiring spirit and contempt of danger; planned with courage; daring; vigorous. "The bold design leased highly." Milton.

3. In a bad sense, too forward; taking undue liberties; over assuming or confident; lacking proper modesty or restraint; rude; impudent.

Thou art too wild, too rude and bold of voice.
Shak.

4. Somewhat overstepping usual bounds, or conventional rules, as in art, literature, etc.; taking liberties in composition or expression; as, the figures of an author are bold. "Bold tales." Waller.

The cathedral church is a very bold work.
Addison.

5. Standing prominently out to view; markedly conspicuous; striking the eye; in high relief.

Shadows in painting . . . make the figure bolder.
Dryden.

6. Steep; abrupt; prominent.

Where the bold cape its warning forehead rears.
Trumbull.

Bold eagle, (Zoöl.) an Australian eagle (Aquila audax), which destroys lambs and even the kangaroo. -- To make bold, to take liberties or the liberty; to venture.

Syn. -- Courageous; daring; brave; intrepid; fearless; dauntless; valiant; manful; audacious; stouthearted; high-spirited; adventurous; confident; strenuous; forward; impudent.