About The Word Ruffian
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 Definition And Meaning |
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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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