About The Word Ruffian

Bay Area Crosswords

Learn about the word Ruffian to help solve your crossword puzzle. Discover Ruffian definitions and meaning, origins, synonyms, related terms and more at the free Crossword Dictionary.

Ruffian

Ruffian Meaning & Definition
Ruffian Definition And Meaning

What's The Definition Of Ruffian?

[n] a cruel and brutal fellow

Synonyms | Synonyms for Ruffian: bully | hooligan | roughneck | rowdy | tough | yob | yobbo | yobo

Related Terms | Find terms related to Ruffian:

See Also | aggressor | assailant | assaulter | attacker | bullyboy | muscleman | plug-ugly | skinhead | tough guy

Ruffian In Webster's Dictionary

\Ruf"fian\ (? or ?; 277), n. [F. rufien, OF. ruffen, ruffian, pimp. libertine, ake; cf. pr. & Sp. rufian, It. ruffiano; all perhaps of German or Dutch origin; cf. G. raufen to pluck, scuffle, fight, OD. roffen to pander. Cf. Ruffle to grow urbulent.] 1. A pimp; a pander; also, a paramour. [Obs.] he [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, reveling with her ruffians. --Bp. Reynolds. 2. A boisterous, cruel, brutal fellow; a desperate fellow ready for murderous or cruel deeds; a cutthroat. Wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian? --Shak.
\Ruf"fian\, a. brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous; as, ruffian rage.
\Ruf"fian\, v. i. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult. [R.] --Shak.

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