About The Word Ruffian

Bay Area Crosswords

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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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