rabble

¹

[rab-uhl]

noun

1. a disorderly crowd; mob.

2. the rabble, the lower classes; the common people.

   The nobility held the rabble in complete contempt.

verb (used with object)

rabbled, rabbling 

1. to beset as a rabble does; mob.

rabble

²

[rab-uhl]

noun

1. a tool or mechanically operated device used for stirring or mixing a charge in a roasting furnace.

verb (used with object)

rabbled, rabbling 

1. to stir (a charge) in a roasting furnace.

rabble

¹

/ ˈræbəl /

noun

1. a disorderly crowd; mob

2. derogatory,  the common people

rabble

²

/ ˈræbəl /

noun

1. Also called: rabbler. an iron tool or mechanical device for stirring, mixing, or skimming a molten charge in a roasting furnace

verb

1. (tr) to stir, mix, or skim (the molten charge) in a roasting furnace

Other Word Forms

• rabbler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rabble¹

1350–1400; Middle English rabel (noun), of uncertain origin

Origin of rabble²

1655–65; < French râble fire-shovel, tool, Middle French raable < Latin rutābulum implement for shifting hot coals, equivalent to *rutā ( re ) presumed frequentative of ruere to churn up, disturb + -bulum suffix of instrument

Word History and Origins

Origin of rabble¹

C14 (in the sense: a pack of animals): of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Middle Dutch rabbelen to chatter, rattle

Origin of rabble²

C17: from French râble , from Latin rutābulum rake for a furnace, from ruere to rake, dig up

Example Sentences

That must be a factor in their inconsistency, but I don't think it will matter here because Wolves have been such a rabble recently.

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Capitalism thrived after the “rabble” were given more say in government.

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The combination of billionaire rabble and basement-dwelling rabble is a time-tested method for destroying democracy, as well as rationality and common decency.

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A Labour councillor had been "rabble rousing" a crowd which could have turned violent when he called for far-right protesters to have their throats cut, a court has heard.

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The rest of the set balanced her competing impulses: rock chick, singer-songwriter, rabble rouser, strident feminist, heartfelt balladeer.

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