Ruffian
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈɹʌfi.ən/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Ruffian is a noun meaning A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
Meaning
A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
More Meanings
- To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.
- Brutal, cruel, ruffianlike.
- (obsolete) A pimp; a pander.
- (obsolete) A lover; a paramour.
Example Sentences
ruffian rage
What wilt thou on thy death-bed play the Ruffian?
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.
Word Forms
- ruffians
- ruffianing
- ruffianed
Synonyms for ruffian
Depending on context, synonyms include rogue, scamp, agitator, bear, beggar, bhoy.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include yobo, yobbo, roughneck, bully, hooligan, rowdy.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.