ribaudred

English

Etymology

From Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra (see quotation), with uncertain etymology. Perhaps from ribaudry +‎ -ed. Alternatively, perhaps an error for some other item: proposed candidates include ribauld, ribald-rid, among others.[1][2]

Adjective

ribaudred (comparative more ribaudred, superlative most ribaudred)

  1. (obsolete, very rare) filthy; obscene; ribald
    • c. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies [] (First Folio), London: [] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene x]:
      Yon ribaudred Nagge of Egypt, (Whom Leprosie o're-take) i'th'midst o'th'fight, []
    • 1922 July 10, “Shelley's "Cenci." A memorable performance.”, in The Times, number 43079, London, page 8:
      The Censor of Plays, who has a kindly feeling for the inanities of musical comedy and the ribaudred revelries of revue.
    • 1924 December, Henry Arthur Jones, “Christmas Meditations Upon Alcohol”, in The English Review, volume 39, London:
      We escape from the prison house of Puritanism and hurry to riot with the ribaudred rabble of Comus.

References

  1. ^ John Wilders, editor (1995), Antony and Cleopatra (The Arden Shakespeare, the third series), Routledge, pages 201-202
  2. ^ ribaudred, adj.”, in OED Online , Oxford: Oxford University Press, September 2024.