from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rebuke \Re*buke"\ (r[-e]*b[=u]k"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Rebuked}
(r[-e]*b[=u]kt"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Rebuking}.] [OF.
rebouquier to dull, blunt, F. reboucher; perhaps fr. pref.
re- re- + bouche mouth, OF. also bouque, L. bucca cheek; if
so, the original sense was, to stop the mouth of; hence, to
stop, obstruct.]
To check, silence, or put down, with reproof; to restrain by
expression of disapprobation; to reprehend sharply and
summarily; to chide; to reprove; to admonish.
[1913 Webster]
The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered,
Nor to rebuke the rich offender feared. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: To reprove; chide; check; chasten; restrain; silence.
See {Reprove}.
[1913 Webster]