ruffianism

Variant of ruffian

ruffian definition

ruf·fian (ruf′ē ən, ruf′yən)

noun

a brutal, violent, lawless person; tough or hoodlum

Etymology: Fr rufian < It ruffiano, a pander < dial. roffia, filth < Gmc *hruf-, scurf (akin to OHG ruf, OE hreof) < IE base *kreup- > Lith kraupus, rough: E sense infl. by rough

adjective

brutal, violent, and lawless
also ruffianly ruf′·fi·anly

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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