Category:Ruffian

Ruf"fian ( or ; 277), n. Etym: [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.

Ruffian Ruf"fian, a.

Defn: brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous; as, ruffian Rage.

Ruffian Ruf"fian, v. i.

Defn: to play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult. [r.] Shak.