The definition of gruff is something harsh sounding, or someone who is abrupt and short-tempered.
(adjective)See gruff in Webster's New World College Dictionary
adjective
Origin: < Du grof, akin to Ger grob, coarse, surly < OHG gerob < ge-, intens. + base akin to OE hreof, rough, scabby < IE base *kreup-: see graupel
See gruff in American Heritage Dictionary 4
adjective gruff·er, gruff·est
Origin:
Origin: Dutch grof
Origin: , from Middle Dutch
Origin: or Middle Low German
.Related Forms:
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