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penny dreadful

noun

Definition of penny dreadful

: a novel of violent adventure or crime
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penny-dreadful

play \ˈpe-nē-ˈdred-fəl\ adjective

First Known Use of penny dreadful

1861

in the meaning defined above

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Learn More about penny dreadful

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penny dreadful

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