bully

archaic:

1. a man hired to do violence; a hired ruffian.

2. sweetheart.

3. a fine chap.

obsolete:

1. a pimp; procurer.

2.  good friend; good fellow.

3.  sweetheart; darling.

of food:

(noun) pickled or canned usually corned beef.

Origin:

First recorded in 1530–40, bully is from the Middle Dutch word boele lover. [British:] First recorded in 1530–40, bully is from the Middle Dutch word boele lover. —Dictionary.com. // First Known Use of bully: Noun (1): 1538. Verb: 1693. Adjective: 1844. Noun (2): 1753. History and Etymology for bully: Noun (1), Verb, and Adjective: probably from Middle Dutch boele lover; akin to Middle Low German bōle lover, Middle High German buole. Noun (2): probably modification of French (bœuf) boulli boiled beef. —Merriam-Webster.

Sources: 1, 2.

Added: 16 July 2020 {9:36 AM}