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ruffianism

American  
[ruhf-ee-uh-niz-uhm, ruhf-yuh-] / ˈrʌf i əˌnɪz əm, ˈrʌf jə- /

noun

  1. conduct befitting a ruffian.

  2. ruffian character.


Etymology

Origin of ruffianism

First recorded in 1585–95; ruffian + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Emigration flowed in rapidly, both from the South and the North, and the terrible days of Border Ruffianism followed.

From Lippincott's Magazine, Vol. 20, August 1877 by Various

Ruffianism in the middle ages bears about it a stamp of feudality which goes far to disguise its lawlessness, and even to excuse its immorality.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 60, No. 373, November 1846 by Various

The Preparatory Schools of Ruffianism are similarly borne with. 

From The Uncommercial Traveller by Dickens, Charles

Ruffianism was crushed, the Jesuits were banished, the nobility were taught to respect the civil law, the peasantry were encouraged.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 17, No. 097, January, 1876 by Various

I always had a great liking for him, and deem him entitled to great public gratitude for his services in the rescue of Kansas from what was known as Border Ruffianism.

From Autobiography of Seventy Years, Vol. 1-2 by Hoar, George Frisbie

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