Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Rabble?

\Rab"ble\ (r[a^]b"b'l), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Iron Manuf.) An iron bar, with the end bent, used in stirring or skimming molten iron in the process of puddling.
\Rab"ble\, v. t. To stir with a rabble, as molten iron.
\Rab"ble\, v. i. [Akin to D. rabbelen, Prov. G. rabbeln, to prattle, to chatter: cf. L. rabula a brawling advocate, a pettifogger, fr. rabere to rave. Cf. {Rage}] To speak in a confused manner. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
\Rab"ble\, n. [Probably named from the noise made by it (see {Rabble}, v. t.) cf. D. rapalje rabble, OF. & Prov. F. rapaille.] 1. A tumultuous crowd of vulgar, noise people; a mob; a confused, disorderly throng. I saw, I say, come out of London, even unto the presence of the prince, a great rabble of mean and light persons. --Ascham. Jupiter, Mercury, Bacchus, Venus, Mars and the whole rabble of licentious deities. --Bp. Warburton. 2. A confused, incoherent discourse; a medley of voices; a chatter. {The rabble}, the lowest class of people, without reference to an assembly; the dregs of the people. ``The rabble call him `lord.''' --Shak.
\Rab"ble\, a. Of or pertaining to a rabble; like, or suited to, a rabble; disorderly; vulgar. [R.] --Dryden.
\Rab"ble\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Rabbled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Rabbling}.] 1. To insult, or assault, by a mob; to mob; as, to rabble a curate. --Macaulay. The bishops' carriages were stopped and the prelates them selves rabbled on their way to the house. --J. R. Green. 2. To utter glibly and incoherently; to mouth without intelligence. [Obs. or Scot.] --Foxe. 3. To rumple; to crumple. [Scot.]