[bul.ly] n, pl bullies [prob. modif. of D boel lover, fr. MHG buole] (1538) 1 archaic a: sweetheart b: a fine chap
2. a: a blustering browbeating person; esp: one habitually cruel to others who are weaker b: pimp
3: a hired ruffian
[2]bully adj (1681) 1: excellent, first-rate--often used in interjectional expressions "~ for you"
2: resembling or characteristic of a bully [3]bully vb bul.lied ; bul.ly.ing vt (1710) 1: to treat abusively
2: to affect by means of force or coercion ~ vi: to use browbeating language or behavior: bluster syn see intimidate [4]bully n [prob. modif. of F (boeuf) boulli boiled beef] (1753): pickled or canned usu. corned beef