I. ˈbȯl verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English baulen, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Icelandic baula to low, Low German bolen, and probably to Old Norse bylja to resound — more at bellow
intransitive verb
1. : to cry out loudly and unrestrainedly : yell , bellow
as the circle of sage lessened the steers began to bawl — Zane Grey
Herr Direktor bawled at them, worked them to weariness, and reduced Tania to nervous exhaustion — Winifred Bambrick
2. : to cry loudly or lustily especially from distress : weep , wail
he collapsed in an armchair in the lobby and bawled … uncontrollably — E.J.Kahn
transitive verb
: to cry out at the top of one's voice : shout , proclaim
the sergeant bawling commands
a hawker bawling his wares
Synonyms: see roar
II. noun
( -s )
: a loud prolonged cry : outcry
despite all political bawls and bellows about cattle prices — Time