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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Probably named from the noise made by it (see Rabble, v. i.) cf. D. rapalje rabble, OF. & Prov. F. rapaille. ]
I saw, I say, come out of London, even unto the presence of the prince, a great rabble of mean and light persons. Ascham. [ 1913 Webster ]
Jupiter, Mercury, Bacchus, Venus, Mars, and the whole rabble of licentious deities. Bp. Warburton. [ 1913 Webster ]
The rabble,
a. Of or pertaining to a rabble; like, or suited to, a rabble; disorderly; vulgar. [ R. ] Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
The bishops' carriages were stopped and the prelates themselves rabbled on their way to the house. J. R. Green. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Etymol. uncertain. ] (Iron Manuf.) An iron bar, with the end bent, used in stirring or skimming molten iron in the process of puddling. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t. To stir or skim with a rabble, as molten iron. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A tumultuous crowd of low people; a rabble. “Rude rablement.” Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]
And still, as he refused it, the rabblement hooted. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ See 2d Rabble. ] (Mech.) A scraping tool for smoothing metal. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A tumultuous crowd; a rabble; a noisy throng. [ 1913 Webster ]