bullyrag

American  

[bool-ee-rag] / ˈbʊl iˌræg /

verb (used with object)

bullyragged, bullyragging

1. to bully; harass.

   to bullyrag fraternity plebs.

---

bullyrag British  

/ ˈbʊlɪˌræɡ /

verb

1. Also: ballyrag.  (tr) to bully, esp by means of cruel practical jokes

---

Other Word Forms

• bullyragger noun

Etymology

Origin of bullyrag

First recorded in 1780–90; earlier ballarag, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Another leading citizen d'gs into the commodore's naval record, finds it a sorry mess, and tries to bullyrag the old boy out of town.

From Time Magazine Archive

One of the first things a detective has to do is to surprise his man, and then immediately begin to bullyrag and overbear him; pretend that all is known, that the game is up.

From The Voice in the Fog by MacGrath, Harold

And wills fur it to live, and fights fur it to, and determines that it must, and jest natcherally tries fur to bullyrag death into going away.

From Danny's Own Story by Marquis, Don

Then you hector and bullyrag us on the stairs," said Stalky, "about matters that are your business entirely.

From Stalky & Co. by Kipling, Rudyard

On Sunday he allowed Mrs. Davis to bullyrag him into a tentative engagement.

From What's-His-Name by Fisher, Harrison