On Feb 22, 2012, at 12:06 PM, curtisdeltablues wrote:
No, it is a part of all the definitions I read, Websters' for
example. Do you think we can't look things up too? bullying
The Dictionary built into the Mac gives the following, current
definitions, each which emphasizes the power differential you mentioned:
bully 1 |ˈboŏlē|
noun ( pl. -lies)
1. a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those
who are weaker.
verb ( -lies, -lied) [ trans. ]
2. use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone),
typically to force him or her to do what one wants : a local man was
bullied into helping them.
ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: probably from Middle Dutch boele ‘lover.’
The original usage was as a term of endearment applied to either sex;
later becoming a familiar form of address to a male friend. The
current sense dates from the late 17th cent.
