Meaning
A Rastafari — especially one who wears dreadlocks — and, as an adjective, something fearsome, serious, or heavy. In Rastafari speech 'dread' also carries the awe of standing firm in faith against Babylon.
Senses
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noun A Rastafari, particularly a locksman; also a friendly term of address between Rastas.
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Respect, mi dread.
Respect, my brethren.
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Di dread live up inna di hills.
The Rasta lives up in the hills.
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adjective Fearsome, serious, or dire — a grave, heavy situation.
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Tings a get dread inna di ghetto.
Things are getting serious and grim in the ghetto.
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Dat a one dread situation.
That's a truly serious situation.
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Origin
From English 'dread' (awe, fear). Rastafari embraced it for the awe their appearance and conviction inspired, giving rise to 'dreadlocks' and to 'dread' as a name for a Rasta.
How it’s used
As a noun it is respectful within Rastafari; as an adjective it stresses gravity, from a heavy vibe to real danger.