ribaldry
[rib-uh l-dree; spelling pronunciation rahy-buh l-dree]
- ribald character, as of language; scurrility.
- ribald speech.
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Origin of ribaldry
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
indecency, impropriety, vulgarity, abomination, scatology, prurience, pornography, offense, dirtiness, curse, filth, impurity, swearword, blight, filthiness, dirt, smut, evil, outrage, wrongExamples from the Web for ribaldry
Historical Examples
These were silent or even made some efforts to restrain the ribaldry of their men.
The Lion's BroodDuffield Osborne
But he seemed to take little interest in the ribaldry of the other fellows.
Prairie FolksHamlin Garland
Then the lawyer tried to explain to him that no one read the ribaldry.
Miss MackenzieAnthony Trollope
It is certainly true, that every sort of ribaldry and obscenity are encouraged on the Chinese stage at the present day.
That is an age which moves youth either to ribaldry or to compassion.
The Garden of SwordsMax Pemberton
ribaldry
- ribald language or behaviour
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for ribaldry
n.
early 14c., from Old French ribauderie "debauchery, licentiousness," from ribalt (see ribald).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper