I. ˈribəld also ˈriˌbȯld or ÷ˈrīˌbȯld or ÷ˈrībəld noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English ribald, ribaud, from Old French ribauld, ribaut wanton, rascal, from riber to be wanton, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rīban to be wanton, literally, to turn, twist, rub — more at rhipid-
1.
a. : a retainer employed in a feudal household in the meanest positions and in the field as an irregular soldier
b. : rogue , rascal
2. : a person coarse or lewd in appearance, speech, writing, or thought
II. adjective
1. : marked by coarseness and indecency : offensive
2. : characterized by broad indecent humor
a ribald tale
: capable of, displaying, or suggesting rough convivial wit
a ribald mind
a ribald company
Synonyms: see coarse