ruffian

[ ruhf-ee-uhn, ruhf-yuhn ]

noun

1. a tough, lawless person; roughneck; bully.

   Synonyms: blackguard, rogue, knave, tough, brute

adjective

1. Also ruffi·an·ly. tough; lawless; brutal.

ruffian

/ ˈrʌfɪən /

noun

1. a violent or lawless person; hoodlum or villain

Derived Forms

• ˈruffianly, adjective
• ˈruffianism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruffian¹

1525–35; < Middle French < Italian ruffiano, perhaps < Langobardic *hruf scurf + Italian -ano -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruffian¹

C16: from Old French rufien , from Italian ruffiano , perhaps related to Langobardic hruf scurf, scabbiness

Example Sentences

The mercenary, ruffian crew Marsac recruits for assistance is clearly not to be trusted.

From Washington Post

As a boy, he admired the hoodlums and ruffians he saw on the streets.

From Ozy

We know the governor, despite his popularity and his toe-dips into bipartisanship, has a reputation as a ruffian.

From The Daily Beast

Of course I had to satisfy the ruffian's insolent demands, but I did so under protest.

From Project Gutenberg

The ruffian released him at last, and, leaping to his feet, was gone before Rabecque could rise.

From Project Gutenberg

Up the slope they dashed, and past the place where Matt and Clip had had their encounter with Jem and the other ruffian.

From Project Gutenberg

It was hard work to keep his hands off the ruffian who was one of the main causes of the trouble.

From Project Gutenberg

At length one bold ruffian came near her, but was struck dead at her feet by a thunderbolt.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• delinquent
• goon