from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gruff \Gruff\ (gr[u^]f), a. [Compar. {Gruffer} (gr[u^]f"[~e]r);
superl. {Gruffest}.] [D. grof; akin to G. grob, OHG. gerob,
grob, Dan. grov, Sw. grof, perh. akin to AS. rc['o]fan to
break, Z. reavc, rupture, g- standing for the AS. prefix ge-,
Goth. ga-.]
Of a rough or stern manner, voice, or countenance; sour;
surly; severe; harsh. --Addison.
[1913 Webster]
Gruff, disagreeable, sarcastic remarks. --Thackeray.
-- {Gruff"ly}, adv. -- {Gruff"ness}, n.
[1913 Webster]