Definitions for: Ruffian

[n] a cruel and brutal fellow

Webster (1913) Definition: 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.

Synonyms: bully, hooligan, roughneck, rowdy, tough, yob, yobbo, yobo

See Also: aggressor, assailant, assaulter, attacker, bullyboy, muscleman, plug-ugly, skinhead, tough guy

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