rib·al·dry \-drē, -dri\noun (-es) Etymology: Middle English ribaldrie, ribaudrie, from Middle French ribaulderie, ribauderie, from Old French, from ribauld ribald + -erie -ery 1.obsolete: lewd or licentious acts : debauchery 2. a.: ribald quality, nature, or element < the ribaldry in an author's works > < the lusty ribaldry of peasant humor — Times Literary Supplement > b.: ribald language, jesting, or wit < the ribaldry of a stag party >