ruffian

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.

   What wilt thou on thy death-bed play the Ruffian?

2. 2
   verb

   To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.

   Methinks the wind does speak aloud at land; A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements. If it hath ruffianed so upon the sea.

3. 3
   adj

   Brutal, cruel, ruffianlike.

   Ruffian rage.

From Middle French rufian, from Italian ruffiano (“pimp”).

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