noun
rabble
RAB-ul/ˈræbl/
A crowd regarded as disorderly or contemptible.
An angry rabble gathers outside the courthouse and shouts insults.
Etymology
Rabble first meant a pack of animals, then a noisy crowd, and eventually people regarded with contempt even without disorder. Its possible connection to rapid, confused speech remains uncertain.
In context
a table with his legs crossed, and in a loud voice was bestowing his knowledge of magic, both black and white, on many a gaping face which surrounded him. Another rabble pressed close around our old friend
More examples
- The duke dismisses the villagers as rabble.
- What began as a peaceful gathering soon became a rabble.
- She refuses to let that drunken rabble into her restaurant.
Forms
rabble · rabbles
Similar words
- mob
- More strongly suggests a threatening crowd acting together.
- crowd
- Names a gathering without implying disorder or contempt.