bully

[ bool-ee ]

/ ˈbʊl i /

a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.

Archaic. a man hired to do violence.

Obsolete. a pimp; procurer.

Obsolete. good friend; good fellow.

Obsolete. sweetheart; darling.

to act the bully toward; intimidate; domineer.

to be loudly arrogant and overbearing.

Informal. fine; excellent; very good.

dashing; jovial; high-spirited.

Informal. good! well done!

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First recorded in 1530–40, bully is from the Middle Dutch word boele lover

bul·ly·a·ble, adjectiveun·bul·lied, adjectiveun·bul·ly·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

He just wanted a bullier pulpit than a talk show from which to sound the alarm.
Putting Words in Gore Vidal’s Mouth—a Copywriter Recalls the 1982 Senate Campaign|Robert Chandler|August 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The famous students dancing saloon known as bal Bullier was at this end of the boulevard from 1848 till a few years ago.
Historic Paris|Jetta S. Wolff
I don't know; there may be bullier circuses than what that one was, but I never struck them yet.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Complete|Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
Gaining in audacity, he danced at Bullier's, dined at Foyd's, and at last had a mistress.
Other People's Money|Emile Gaboriau

Upon reflection, he abandoned the Bullier: the jades of this place were enjoying a rest.
Very Woman|Remy de Gourmont
Pretty Rosine Combarieu's face rises up before him, his childhood's companion, whom he met at Bullier's and never has seen since.
A Romance of Youth, Complete|Francois Coppee

bully¹

/ (ˈbʊlɪ) /

a person who hurts, persecutes, or intimidates weaker people

archaic a hired ruffian

obsolete a procurer; pimp

obsolete a fine fellow or friend

obsolete a sweetheart; darling