ragamuffin

[ rag-uh-muhf-in ]

noun

1. a ragged, disreputable person; tatterdemalion.
2. a child in ragged, ill-fitting, dirty clothes.

   Synonyms: street arab, guttersnipe, urchin, waif

ragamuffin

/ ˈræɡəˌmʌfɪn /

noun

1. a ragged unkempt person, esp a child
2. another name for ragga

Word History and Origins

Origin of ragamuffin¹

1350–1400; Middle English Ragamoffyn, name of a demon in the poem Piers Plowman

Word History and Origins

Origin of ragamuffin¹

C14 Ragamoffyn , name of a demon in the poem Piers Plowman (1393); probably based on rag ¹

Example Sentences

"The 'ragamuffin' always speaks of his enemies with courtesy, and the filibusters love their leader," was her pointed rejoinder.

From Project Gutenberg

The giant looked contemptuously at the tailor, and said: 'You ragamuffin!

From Project Gutenberg

It is true that his father did give him a good lesson when he called the little son of the charcoal-man a ragamuffin.

From Project Gutenberg

The ragamuffin sat perched upon the broad shoulder and peered down at the lady with eyes of cerulean blue.

From Project Gutenberg

"You'll not be thinking of heeding that ragamuffin boy," he ventured.

From Project Gutenberg