ribald Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a ribald person; someone who uses vulgar and offensive language
  2. adjective satellite humorously vulgar
    bawdy; off-color.
    • bawdy songs
    • off-color jokes
    • ribald language

WordNet

Rib"ald noun
Etymology
OE. ribald, ribaud, F. ribaud, OF. ribald, ribault, LL. ribaldus, of German origin; cf. OHG hripa prostitute. For the ending -ald cf. E. Herald.
Definitions
  1. A low, vulgar, brutal, foul-mouthed wretch; a lewd fellow. Spenser. Pope.
    Ribald was almost a class name in the feudal system . . . He was his patron's parasite, bulldog, and tool . . . It is not to be wondered at that the word rapidly became a synonym for everything ruffianly and brutal. Earle.
Rib"ald adjective
Definitions
  1. Low; base; mean; filthy; obscene.
    The busy day, Waked by the lark, hath roused the ribald crows. Shak.

Webster 1913