I. ˈbu̇-lē, ˈbə- 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
a. : sweetheart
b. : a fine chap
2.
a. : a blustering browbeating person ; especially : one habitually cruel to others who are weaker
b. : pimp
3. : a hired ruffian
II. adjective
Date: 1609
1. : excellent , first-rate — often used in interjectional expressions
bully for you
2. : resembling or characteristic of a bully
III. verb
( bul·lied ; bul·ly·ing )
Date: 1693
transitive verb
1. : to treat abusively
2. : to affect by means of force or coercion
intransitive verb
: to use browbeating language or behavior : bluster
Synonyms: see intimidate
IV. noun
Etymology: probably modification of French ( bœuf ) boulli boiled beef
Date: 1753
: pickled or canned usually corned beef