taunt 1
— taunter , n. — tauntingly , adv.
/tawnt, tahnt/ , v.t.
1. to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.
2. to provoke by taunts; twit.
n.
3. an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.
4. Obs. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.
[ 1505-15; orig. uncert. ]
Syn. 1. censure, upbraid, flout, insult. 2, 3 . jeer. See ridicule. 3. scoff, derision, insult, censure, ridicule.
taunt 2
/tawnt, tahnt/ , adj. Naut.
tall, as a mast.
[ 1490-1500; orig. uncert. ]