Rabelaisian

[ rab-uh-ley-zee-uhn, -zhuhn ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or suggesting François Rabelais, whose work is characterized by broad, coarse humor and keen satire.

noun

1. a person who admires or studies the works of Rabelais.

Rabelaisian

/ ˌræbəˈleɪzɪən; -ʒən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling the work of Rabelais, esp by broad, often bawdy humour and sharp satire

noun

1. a student or admirer of Rabelais

Derived Forms

• ˌRabeˈlaisianism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Rabelaisian¹

First recorded in 1855–60; Rabelais + -ian

Example Sentences

There, by lantern or candle-stump, wit Rabelaisian, Aristophanic or Antarctic was cradled into rhyme.

From Project Gutenberg

Ladies "in a coming on humour" abound, and Charles is involved with his Paladins in gauloiseries of a Rabelaisian cast.

From Project Gutenberg

A most vigorous and spirited Rabelaisian tale, of equal value to the student of literature or Irish legend.

From Project Gutenberg

There was something piquant—Villonesque, or jovial—Rabelaisian, about the pickpockets of that tribe.

From Project Gutenberg

I have a yearning to converse with the host of the Black Boar, a fat Rabelaisian scoundrel who has piqued my imagination.

From Project Gutenberg