1. 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).
Phrases and idioms:
bully-boy a hired ruffian.
Etymology: orig. as a term of endearment, prob. f. MDu. boele lover 2. adj. & int. colloq.
--adj. very good; first-rate.
--int. (foll. by for) expressing admiration or approval, or iron. (bully for them!).
Etymology: perh. f BULLY(1) 3. n. & v. (in full bully off)
--n. (pl. -ies) the start of play in hockey in which two opponents strike each other's sticks three times and then go for the ball.
--v.intr. (-ies, -ied) start play in this way.
Etymology: 19th c.: perh. f. bully scrum in Eton football, of unkn. orig. 4. n. (in full bully beef) corned beef.
Etymology: F bouilli boiled beef f. bouillir BOIL(1)