Rib"ald (?), n./ [OE. ribald,
ribaud, F. ribaud, OF. ribald, ribault,
LL. ribaldus, of German origin; cf. OHG hrīpa
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.