Main Entry: lam·baste

Variant(s): or lam·bast \(ˌ)lam-ˈbāst, -ˈbast; ˈlam-ˌ\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: probably from ¹lam + baste

Date: 1620

1 : to assault violently : beat, whip
2 : to attack verbally : censure <critics lambasted his performance>