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.

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