Bold (?), a. [OE. bald, bold, AS. bald, beald; akin to Icel. ballr, OHG. bald, MHG. balt, D. boud, Goth. balei boldness, It. baldo. In Ger. there remains only bald, adv. soon. Cf. Bawd, n.]
1.
Forward to meet danger; venturesome; daring; not timorous or shrinking from risk; brave; courageous.
Throngs of knights and barons bold.
Milton.
2.
Exhibiting or requiring spirit and contempt of danger; planned with courage; daring; vigorous.
"The
bold design leased highly."
Milton.
3.
In a bad sense, too forward; taking undue liberties; over assuming or confident; lacking proper modesty or restraint; rude; impudent.
Thou art too wild, too rude and bold of voice.
Shak.
4.
Somewhat overstepping usual bounds, or conventional rules, as in art, literature, etc.; taking liberties in o composition or expression; as, the figures of an author are bold.
"
Bold tales."
Waller.
The cathedral church is a very bold work.
Addison.
5.
Standing prominently out to view; markedly conspicuous; striking the eye; in high relief.
Shadows in painting . . . make the figure bolder.
Dryden.
6.
Steep; abrupt; prominent.
Where the bold cape its warning forehead rears.
Trumbull.
© Webster 1913.
Bold (?), v. t.
To make bold or daring.
[Obs.]
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
Bold, v. i.
To be or become bold.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.