What was the original meaning of the noun, “bully”?

The present meaning of the term (noun) “bully” is an intimidator or coercer of others seen as weaker and vulnerable. This meaning has moved a long way from the word’s original meaning when it was first used in the 1530s, and meant "sweetheart", applied to either sex.

The word has its roots in Dutch and German, from the Dutch word “boel” meaning "lover, brother", linked with the German word “buhle” meaning "lover". There is no etymological connection with the name of the animal, the bull.

The meaning of "bully" changed through the 16th and into the 17th century to take on several meanings such as "fine fellow", "blusterer", to "harasser of the weak". This may have arisen through the connection between the word's initial use, meaning "lover" and "sweetheart" and its later meaning for "ruffian" as in "protector of a prostitute". This latter use of "bully" was attested in 1706. The verb "to bully", in the sense that it is understood today, was first attested in 1710.