Pronunciations (2)
-
/ˈɹʌflə/
Pronunciation notes
- Received-Pronunciation
-
/ˈɹʌflɚ/
Pronunciation notes
- General-American
Noun
A ruffian, bully, or villain, especially a 16th-17th-century vagabond operating under the guise of a maimed soldier or sailor.
Usage- Historical
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
1840-1841, Charles Dickens, Master Humphrey's Clock […] and then how he grasped his club and longed to do battle with a dozen rufflers, for the love of Mistress Alice!
The ruffler in leather, who lately went fighting through the door, has returned, presumably by means of another entrance.
A sewing machine attachment for making ruffles.