n. & v.
n. (pl. -ies) a person who uses strength or power to coerce others by fear.
v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 persecute or oppress by force or threats. 2 (foll. by into + verbal noun) pressure or coerce (a person) to do something (bullied him into agreeing). bully-boy a hired ruffian.
[ orig. as a term of endearment, prob. f. MDu. boele lover ]