Rib″ald (?), n. [OE. ribald, ribaud, F. ribaud, OF. ribald, ribault, LL. ribaldus, of German origin; cf. OHG hrīpa 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.