Rabelaisian

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

/ ˌræb əˈleɪ zi ən, -ʒən /

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adjective

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

noun

a person who admires or studies the works of Rabelais.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Rabelaisian

First recorded in 1855–60; Rabelais + -ian

Words nearby Rabelaisian

rabble-rouser, rabble-rousing, Rabe, Rabelais, Rabelais, François, Rabelaisian, Rabi, Rabia, rabid, rabies, Rabi I

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Rabelaisian in a sentence

There, by lantern or candle-stump, wit Rabelaisian, Aristophanic or Antarctic was cradled into rhyme.
The Home of the Blizzard|Douglas Mawson
Ladies "in a coming on humour" abound, and Charles is involved with his Paladins in gauloiseries of a Rabelaisian cast.
Homer and His Age|Andrew Lang
A most vigorous and spirited Rabelaisian tale, of equal value to the student of literature or Irish legend.
Parzival (vol. 1 of 2)|Wolfram von Eschenback
There was something piquant—Villonesque, or jovial—Rabelaisian, about the pickpockets of that tribe.
Turns about Town|Robert Cortes Holliday

I have a yearning to converse with the host of the Black Boar, a fat Rabelaisian scoundrel who has piqued my imagination.
The Belovd Vagabond|William J. Locke

British Dictionary definitions for Rabelaisian

Rabelaisian

/ (ˌræbəˈleɪzɪən, -ʒən) /

adjective

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

noun

a student or admirer of Rabelais

Derived forms of Rabelaisian

Rabelaisianism, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012