brickbat

[ brik-bat ]

noun

1. a piece of broken brick, especially one used as a missile.
2. any rocklike missile.
3. an unkind or unfavorable remark; caustic criticism:

   The critics greeted the play with brickbats.

brickbat

/ ˈbrɪkˌbæt /

noun

1. a piece of brick or similar material, esp one used as a weapon
2. blunt criticism

   the critic threw several brickbats at the singer

Word History and Origins

Origin of brickbat¹

First recorded in 1555–65; brick + bat ¹

Example Sentences

A feeling of sadness and longingThat is not like being sick, And resembles sorrow onlyAs a brickbat resembles a brick.

From Project Gutenberg

It set Tom to thinking; he said afterwards the spectacle was enough to make a brickbat wake up and think.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of our readers may think that this was a fit punishment for having “pashed” the toad to “death with a brickbat.”

From Project Gutenberg

There isn't a mineral in Louisiana, unless it is a brickbat.

From Project Gutenberg

I was there myself, and did what I could to quiet the tumult, receiving more than one brickbat for my interference.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• censure
• criticism
• denunciation
• discontent
• dislike
• displeasure
• dissatisfaction
• objection