from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bully \Bul"ly\ (b[.u]l"l[y^]), n.; pl. {Bullies}
(b[u^]l"l[i^]z). [Cf. LG. bullerjaan, bullerb[aum]k,
bullerbrook, a blusterer, D. bulderaar a bluster, bulderen to
bluster; prob. of imitative origin; or cf. MHG. buole lover,
G. buhle.]
1. A noisy, blustering fellow, more insolent than courageous,
who threatens, intimidates, or badgers people who are
smaller or weaker than he is; an insolent, tyrannical
fellow.
[1913 Webster]
Bullies seldom execute the threats they deal in.
--Palmerston.
[1913 Webster]
2. A brisk, dashing fellow. [Slang Obs.] --Shak.
[1913 Webster] Bully