varletry

[ vahr-li-tree ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. varlets collectively.
2. the mob or rabble.

ˈvarletry

/ ˈvɑːlɪtrɪ /

noun

1. the varletry
   rabble; mob
2. varlets collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of varletry¹

First recorded in 1600–10; varlet + -ry

Example Sentences

"I will go and fright the varletry with my presence, and secure, I trust, a horse for your majesty, and one for myself."

From Project Gutenberg

Shall they hoist me up, And show me to the shouting varletry Of censuring Rome?

From Project Gutenberg

Sorrows and sighs shall be the varletry, To serve the lovers at this festival: The table shall be death, black death profound; Weep, stones, and utter sighs, ye walls around!

From Project Gutenberg

Shall they hoist me up,     And show me to the shouting varletry     Of censuring Rome?

From Project Gutenberg

She'll not be "chastised with the sober eye of dull Octavia," nor shown "to the shouting varletry of censuring Rome."

From Project Gutenberg