Category:Gruff

Gruff, a. [Compar. Gruffer (superl. Gruffest.] Etym: [D. grof; akin to G. grob, OHG. gerob, grob, Dan. grov, Sw. grof, perh. akin to AS. rcófan to break, Z. reavc, rupture, g- standing for the AS. prefix ge-, Goth. ga-.]

Defn: Of a rough or stern manner, voice, or countenance; sour; surly; severe; harsh. Addison. Gruff, disagreeable, sarcastic remarks. Thackeray. -- Gruff"ly, adv. -- Gruff"ness, n.