'Ruffian' definitions:

Definition of 'ruffian'

From: WordNet
noun
A cruel and brutal fellow [syn: bully, tough, hooligan, ruffian, roughneck, rowdy, yob, yobo, yobbo]

Definition of 'Ruffian'

From: GCIDE
  • Ruffian \Ruf"fian\, a. Brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous; as, ruffian rage. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Ruffian'

From: GCIDE
  • Ruffian \Ruf"fian\, v. i. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Ruffian'

From: GCIDE
  • Ruffian \Ruf"fian\ (r[u^]f"yan or r[u^]f"f[i^]*an; 277), n. [F. rufien, OF. ruffien, ruffian, pimp, libertine, rake; 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 turbulent.]
  • 1. A pimp; a pander; also, a paramour. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, reveling with her ruffians. --Bp. Reynolds. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A boisterous, cruel, brutal fellow; a desperate fellow ready for murderous or cruel deeds; a cutthroat. [1913 Webster]
  • Wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian? --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Hence: A tough, lawless or bullying person. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Ruffian'