\Rib"ald\, n./ [OE. ribald, ribaud, F. ribaud, OF.
ribald, ribault, LL. ribaldus, of German origin; cf. OHG
hr[=i]pa prostitute. For the ending -ald cf. E. {Herald}.]
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\, a.
Low; base; mean; filthy; obscene.
      The busy day, Waked by the lark, hath roused the ribald
      crows.                                   --Shak.