Bold \Bold\ (b[=o]ld), a. [OE. bald, bold, AS. bald, beald; akin
to Icel. ballr, OHG. bald, MHG. balt, D. boud, Goth.
bal[thorn]ei 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
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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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