Ruffian

/ˈɹʌfi.ən/ · noun

Meaning

A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person..

Definitions by Sense

1. A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
2. (obsolete) A pimp; a pander.
3. (obsolete) A lover; a paramour.
4. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.
5. Brutal, cruel, ruffianlike.

Example Sentences

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.

Mrs Bycourt has two boys of her own, a few years older than Cyril and perfect young ruffians. Fortunately, they are generally away at boarding-school.

He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians.

Methinks the wind does speak aloud at land; A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements. If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea.

ruffian rage

Synonyms for ruffian

Antonyms for ruffian

Related Words

Word Forms

• ruffians
• ruffianing
• ruffianed
• more ruffian
• most ruffian

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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