from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ruff \Ruff\, n. [Of uncertain origin: cf. Icel. r[=u]finn rough,
uncombed, Pr. ruf rude, rough, Sp. rufo frizzed, crisp,
curled, G. raufen to pluck, fight, rupfen to pluck, pull, E.
rough. [root]18. Cf. {Ruffle} to wrinkle.]
1. A muslin or linen collar plaited, crimped, or fluted, worn
formerly by both sexes, now only by women and children.
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Here to-morrow with his best ruff on. --Shak.
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His gravity is much lessened since the late
proclamation came out against ruffs; . . . they were
come to that height of excess herein, that twenty
shillings were used to be paid for starching of a
ruff. --Howell.
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2. Something formed with plaits or flutings, like the collar
of this name.
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I reared this flower; . . .
Soft on the paper ruff its leaves I spread. --Pope.
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3. An exhibition of pride or haughtiness.
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How many princes . . . in the ruff of all their
glory, have been taken down from the head of a
conquering army to the wheel of the victor's
chariot! --L'Estrange.
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4. Wanton or tumultuous procedure or conduct. [Obs.]
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To ruffle it out in a riotous ruff. --Latimer.
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5. (Mil.) A low, vibrating beat of a drum, not so loud as a
roll; a ruffle.
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6. (Mach.) A collar on a shaft ot other piece to prevent
endwise motion. See Illust. of {Collar}.
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7. (Zool.) A set of lengthened or otherwise modified feathers
round, or on, the neck of a bird.
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8. (Zool.)
(a) A limicoline bird of Europe and Asia ({Pavoncella
pugnax}, syn. {Philomachus pugnax}) allied to the
sandpipers. The males during the breeding season have
a large ruff of erectile feathers, variable in their
colors, on the neck, and yellowish naked tubercles on
the face. They are polygamous, and are noted for their
pugnacity in the breeding season. The female is called
{reeve}, or {rheeve}.
(b) A variety of the domestic pigeon, having a ruff of its
neck.
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