dreadful:1

adjective
dread*ful \ ˈdred-fəl \
13th century{ds||1|a|}
  • inspiring dread : causing great and oppressive fear
  • inspiring awe or reverence
  • extremely bad, distasteful, unpleasant, or shocking

dreadful:2

noun
dreadful \
circa 1873
  • a cheap and sensational story or periodical

penny dreadful

noun
penny dreadful \
1861
  • a novel of violent adventure or crime
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