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ruffian

noun
/ˈɹʌfi.ən/

Etymology

From Middle French rufian, from Italian ruffiano (“pimp”).

  1. derived from ruffiano
  2. derived from rufian

Definitions

  1. A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.

    • What wilt thou on thy death-bed play the Ruffian?
    • Mrs Bycourt has two boys of her own, a few years older than Cyril and perfect young ruffians. Fortunately, they are generally away at boarding-school.

  2. A pimp

    A pimp; a pander.

  3. A lover

    A lover; a paramour.

    • He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians.
  4. ›+ 2 more definitions

    1. To play the ruffian

      To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.

      • Methinks the wind does speak aloud at land; A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements. If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea.

    2. Brutal, cruel, ruffianlike.

      • ruffian rage

The neighborhood

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sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA