First Known Use: 1531
Dictionary
ruffian
noun ruf·fi·an \ˈrə-fē-ən\
: a strong and violent person (especially a man) who threatens and hurts other people
Full Definition of RUFFIAN
: a brutal person : bully
— ruffian adjective
— ruf·fi·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
— ruf·fi·an·ly adjective
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Origin of RUFFIAN
Middle French rufian
RUFFIANLY Defined for Kids
ruffian
noun ruf·fi·an \ˈrə-fē-ən\
Definition of RUFFIAN for Kids
: a violent and cruel person
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