gruff Hear it!

gruff definition

gruff (gruf)

adjective

  1. rough or surly in manner or speech; brusquely rude
  2. harsh and throaty; hoarse

Etymology: < Du grof, akin to Ger grob, coarse, surly < OHG gerob < ge-, intens. + base akin to OE hreof, rough, scabby < IE base *kreup-: see graupel

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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