bullied

bul·ly ¹  (bl)

n. pl. bul·lies

1. A person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people.

2. A hired ruffian; a thug.

3. A pimp.

4. Archaic A fine person.

5. Archaic A sweetheart.

v. bul·lied, bul·ly·ing, bul·lies

v.tr.

1. To treat in an overbearing or intimidating manner. See Synonyms at intimidate.

2. To make (one's way) aggressively.

v.intr.

1. To behave like a bully.

2. To force one's way aggressively or by intimidation: "They bully into line at the gas pump" (Martin Gottfried).

adj.

Excellent; splendid: did a bully job of persuading the members.

interj.

Used to express approval: Bully for you!

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[Possibly from Middle Dutch boele, sweetheart, probably alteration of broeder, brother; see bhrter- in Indo-European roots.]

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bul·ly ²  (bl)

n.

Canned or pickled beef. Also called bully beef.

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[Perhaps French bouilli, boiled meat, label on canned beef, from past participle of bouillir, to boil, from Old French boilir; see boil¹.]