~ 1
■ noun ( plural bullies ) a person who deliberately intimidates or persecutes those who are weaker.
■ verb ( bullies , ~ing , bullied ) intimidate or persecute (someone weaker).
Origin
C16 (orig. as a term of endearment, then a form of address to a male friend): prob. from MDu. boele 'lover'.
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~ 2
■ adjective informal, chiefly N. Amer. excellent.
Phrases
~ for you! (or him etc.) often ironic an expression of admiration or approval.
Origin
C16 (orig. meaning 'admirable, gallant, jolly'): from ~ 1 .
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~ 3
■ noun ( plural bullies ) (also ~-off ) the start of play in field hockey, in which two opponents strike each other's sticks three times and then go for the ball.
■ verb ( bullies , ~ing , bullied ) start play in this way.
Origin
C19: of unknown origin.
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~ 4
(also ~ beef )
■ noun informal corned beef.
Origin
C18: alt. of bouilli .