ribbing

ribbing
    n 1: a framework of ribs
    2: the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously
       (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent
       annoyances; "he ignored their teases"; "his ribbing was
       gentle but persistent" [syn: {tease}, {teasing}, {ribbing},
       {tantalization}]
    

Rib \Rib\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ribbed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Ribbing}.]
   1. To furnish with ribs; to form with rising lines and
      channels; as, to rib cloth.
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   2. To inclose, as with ribs, and protect; to shut in.
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            It [lead] were too gross
            To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave. --Shak.
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   {To rib land}, to leave strips of undisturbed ground between
      the furrows in plowing.
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Ribbing \Rib"bing\, n.
   An assemblage or arrangement of ribs, as the timberwork for
   the support of an arch or coved ceiling, the veins in the
   leaves of some plants, ridges in the fabric of cloth, or the
   like.
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