i Register
In some senses, ruffian is marked as obsolete. Watch for register when choosing this word.
ruffian
/ˈɹʌfi.ən/
noun 3verb 1adj 1
Collocations
2ADJ.
tall
VERB + RUFFIAN
black-bearded, play
Definitions
noun
1
A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
What wilt thou on thy death-bed play the Ruffian?
It was at Count Siloszech's. He'd heard her sing in the streets, with a tall, black-bearded ruffian, who accompanied her on a guitar, and a little fiddling gypsy fellow. She was a handsome woman, with hair down to her knees, but stupid as an owl.
2
A pimp; a pander.
3
A lover; a paramour.
He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians.
verb
1
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.
adj
1
Brutal, cruel, ruffianlike.
ruffian rage
Thesaurus
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
What wilt thou on thy death-bed play the Ruffian?
Wiktionary02
It was at Count Siloszech's. He'd heard her sing in the streets, with a tall, black-bearded ruffian, who accompanied her on a guitar, and a little fiddling gypsy fellow. She was a handsome woman, with
Wiktionary03
He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians.
Wiktionary04
Methinks the wind does speak aloud at land; A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements. If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea.
Wiktionary05
ruffian rage
Wiktionary06
Tom is a ruffian.
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