a. [ OE. boistous; of uncertain origin; cf. W. bwyst wild, savage, wildness, ferocity, bwystus ferocious. ] 1. Rough or rude; unbending; unyielding; strong; powerful. [ Obs. ] “Boisterous sword.” “Boisterous hand.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Exhibiting tumultuous violence and fury; acting with noisy turbulence; violent; rough; stormy. [ 1913 Webster ] The waters swell before a boisterous storm. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] The brute and boisterous force of violent men. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Noisy; rough; turbulent; as, boisterous mirth; boisterous behavior. [ 1913 Webster ] I like not that loud, boisterous man. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Vehement; excessive. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ] The heat becomes too powerful and boisterous for them. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Loud; roaring; violent; stormy; turbulent; furious; tumultuous; noisy; impetuous; vehement. [ 1913 Webster ] |