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That which resembles a rib in form or use. Specifically:

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.

Like a ribald. Bp. Hall.

Of a ribald quality. [R.]

The talk of a ribald; low, vulgar language; indecency; obscenity; lewdness; -- now chiefly applied to indecent language, but formerly, as by Chaucer, also to indecent acts or conduct. The ribaldry of his conversation moved Macaulay.

See Ribbon. [Obs.] Piers Plowman.

See Ribbon. Riband jasper (Min.), a variety of jasper having stripes of different colors, as red and green.

Ribboned. B. Jonson.

A ribald. [Obs.] P. Plowman.

An engine of war used in the Middle Ages, consisting of a protected elevated staging on wheels, and armed in front with pikes. It was (after the 14th century) furnished with small cannon.

Filthy; obscene; ribald. [Obs.]

Ribaldry. [Obs.] Spenser.

Ribaldry. [Obs.] Chaucer.

A ribald. [Obs.] Spenser.

A ribbon. Pope.

Furnished or formed with ribs; as, a ribbed cylinder; ribbed cloth.

An assemblage or arrangement of ribs, as the timberwork for the support of an arch or coved ceiling, the veins in the leaves of some plants, ridges in the fabric of cloth, or the like.

A narrow strip or shred; as, a steel or magnesium ribbon; sails torn to ribbons.

The principles and practices of the Ribbonmen. See Ribbon Society, under Ribbon.

A member of the Ribbon Society. See Ribbon Society, under Ribbon.