Udall, Nicholas

u'dal, Nicholas (1505-1556), an English scholar and dramatist. He was born in Hampshire and received his education at Oxford. He became head master at Eton in 1534. Udall is remembered as the author of the first English comedy, Ralph Roister Doister. It was written in rhymed verses, probably about 1540, and was acted by the boys of St. Mary's College, Eton. It was licensed in 1566.