Sekirov Dictionary

ruffian

/ˈɹʌfi.ən/

noun 3
adjective 1
verb 1
forms 5

noun3

•
A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
- What wilt thou on thy death-bed play the Ruffian? — 1591
(no longer used) A pimp; a pander.
•
(no longer used) A lover; a paramour.
- He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians. — 1621

adjective1

Brutal, cruel, ruffianlike.

verb1

•
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. — 1603

forms

ruffianed · ruffianing · ruffians · more ruffian · most ruffian

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