ruff

¹ American  

[ruhf] / rʌf /

noun

1. a neckpiece or collar of lace, lawn, or the like, gathered or drawn into deep, full, regular folds, worn in the 16th and 17th centuries.

2. something resembling such a piece in form or position.

3. a collar, or set of lengthened or specially marked hairs or feathers, on the neck of an animal.

4. Ornithology. a species of European and Asian sandpiper, Philomachus pugnax, the male of which has a large erectile ruff of feathers during the breeding season.

5. Alaska and Northern Canada. a fringe of fur around the edge of a parka hood or along the edges of a jacket.

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verb (used with object)

1. tease.

ruff ² American  

[ruhf] / rʌf /

noun

1. an act or instance of trumping when one cannot follow suit.

2. an old game of cards, resembling whist.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to trump when unable to follow suit.

ruff ³ American  

[ruhf] / rʌf /

noun

1. a small European freshwater fish, Acerina cernua, of the perch family.

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ruff ¹ British  

/ rʌf /

noun

1. a circular pleated, gathered, or fluted collar of lawn, muslin, etc, often starched or wired, worn by both men and women in the 16th and 17th centuries

2. zoology a natural growth of long or coloured hair or feathers around the necks of certain animals or birds

3. 1. an Old World shore bird, Philomachus pugnax , the male of which has a large erectile ruff of feathers in the breeding season: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes

   2. the male of this bird Compare reeve 3

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ruff ² British  

/ rʌf /

noun

1. another word for trump 1

2. an old card game similar to whist

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verb

1. cards another word for trump 1

ruff ³ British  

/ rʌf /

noun

1. another name for roughie 1

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Other Word Forms

• rufflike adjective

Etymology

Origin of ruff¹

First recorded in 1515–25; perhaps back formation from ruffle ¹

Origin of ruff²

First recorded in 1580–90; probably from French ro(u)ffle, from Old French romfle, ronfle, from Italian ronfa a card game, possibly a shortening of trionfo triumph ( def. ), or from German Trumpf trump ¹

Origin of ruff³

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English roffe, ruffe, rowe; further origin uncertain; perhaps special use of rough

Explanation

A ruff is a high, frilly collar that's worn snugly around the neck, or a similar frill of feathers or fur around an animal's neck. The Elizabethans are famous for wearing ruffs. If you wear a ruff today, you're probably acting in a Shakespeare play or a movie about sixteenth century England. Some religious figures, like bishops and choir members, sometimes also wear ruffs. They're more common in animals, from dogs to the bird that's actually called a Ruff, described as having a "large collar of ornamental feathers." Ruff is believed to be a shortened form of ruffle.

Example Sentences

The comedian arrived dressed as Queen Elizabeth I, in a white cape and gown with a ruff around his neck.

From BBC • May 12, 2024

It can be ruff for some postal workers — especially when they’re dealing with dogs in California.

From Washington Times • Jun. 5, 2023

Soften the edges of the planting with a ruff of Japanese forest grass.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 1, 2023

I thought an Elizabethan ruff would be really cool.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2023

“That does look good,” said the ghost in the ruff sadly, watching Harry cut up his steak.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• eyebrow
• fiber
• fur
• grass
• haircut
• hairstyle
• mane
• sideburn
• strand
• wig
• wool