Rib"ald (?), n./ [OE. ribald, ribaud, F. ribaud, OF. ribald, ribault, LL. ribaldus, of German origin; cf. OHG hripa prostitute. For the ending -ald cf. E. Herald.]
A low, vulgar, brutal, foul-mouthed wretch; a lewd fellow.
Spenser. Pope.
Ribald was almost a class name in the feudal system . . . He was his patron's parasite, bulldog, and tool . . . It is not to be wondered at that the word rapidly became a synonym for everything ruffianly and brutal.
Earle.
© Webster 1913.
Rib"ald, a.
Low; base; mean; filthy; obscene.
The busy day,
Waked by the lark, hath roused the ribald crows.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.