bully1
n.
(pl. bullies)
a person who deliberately intimidates or persecutes those who are weaker.
v.
(bullies, bullying, bullied)
intimidate or persecute (someone weaker).
Etymology
C16 (orig. as a term of endearment, then a form of address to a male friend): prob. from MDu. boele ‘lover’.
bully2
adj.
informal, chiefly N. Amer. excellent.
Phrase
- bully for you!
(or him etc.)
often ironic an expression of admiration or approval.
Etymology
C16 (orig. meaning ‘admirable, gallant, jolly’): from bully1.
bully3
n.
(pl. bullies)
(also
bully-off)
the start of play in field hockey, in which two opponents strike each other's sticks three times and then go for the ball.
v.
(bullies, bullying, bullied)
start play in this way.
Etymology
C19: of unknown origin.
