BULLY

I. noun (plural bullies) Etymology: probably from Middle Dutch boele lover; akin to Middle Low German bōle lover, Middle High German buole Date: 1538 1. archaic sweetheart , a fine chap, 2. a blustering browbeating person, pimp , a hired ruffian, II. adjective Date: 1609 excellent , first-rate , resembling or characteristic of a ~, III. verb (bullied; ~ing) Date: 1693 transitive verb to treat abusively, to affect by means of force or coercion, intransitive verb to use browbeating language or behavior ; bluster , see: intimidate IV. noun Etymology: probably modification of French (bœuf) boulli boiled beef Date: 1753 pickled or canned usually corned beef