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>