rabble

¹

[ rab-uhl ]

noun

1. a disorderly crowd; mob.
2. the rabble, the lower classes; the common people:

   The nobility held the rabble in complete contempt.

verb (used with object)

, rab·bled, rab·bling.

1. to beset as a rabble does; mob.

rabble

²

[ rab-uhl ]

noun

1. a tool or mechanically operated device used for stirring or mixing a charge in a roasting furnace.

verb (used with object)

, rab·bled, rab·bling.

1. to stir (a charge) in a roasting furnace.

rabble

¹

/ ˈræbəl /

noun

1. a disorderly crowd; mob
2. the rabble derogatory.
   the common people

rabble

²

/ ˈræbəl /

noun

1. Also calledrabbler an iron tool or mechanical device for stirring, mixing, or skimming a molten charge in a roasting furnace

verb

1. tr to stir, mix, or skim (the molten charge) in a roasting furnace

Other Words From

• rabbler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rabble¹

1350–1400; Middle English rabel (noun), of uncertain origin

Origin of rabble²

1655–65; < French râble fire-shovel, tool, Middle French raable < Latin rutābulum implement for shifting hot coals, equivalent to *rutā ( re ) presumed frequentative of ruere to churn up, disturb + -bulum suffix of instrument

Word History and Origins

Origin of rabble¹

C14 (in the sense: a pack of animals): of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Middle Dutch rabbelen to chatter, rattle

Origin of rabble²

C17: from French râble , from Latin rutābulum rake for a furnace, from ruere to rake, dig up

Example Sentences

Pakistan became a rabble, beset by misfields and overthrows, while six home bowlers conceded more than 100 runs.

From BBC

From start to finish, pure madness, amid a rabble that never calmed, never quieted, never quit.

From Los Angeles Times

For an actor who has long leveraged his baby-faced looks to play everything from lustful teenagers and rabble rousers to narcos and soccer players, his portrayal of Andy marks a departure for the actor.

From Los Angeles Times

United, in the sharpest of contrasts, were a shambles – a rabble.

From BBC

The heroes of the party are now living saints to the teary-eyed rabble who worship them.

From Salon