Ribald \Rib"ald\, n./ [OE. ribald, ribaud, F. ribaud, OF. ribald, ribault, LL. ribaldus, of German origin; cf. OHG hr[=i]pa 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. web1913
ribald adj : humorously vulgar; "bawdy songs"; "off-color jokes"; "ribald language" [syn: {bawdy}, {off-color}] n : a ribald person; someone who uses vulgar and offensive language wn