ruff

¹

[ ruhf ]

noun

1. a neckpiece or collar of lace, lawn, or the like, gathered or drawn into deep, full, regular folds, worn in the 16th and 17th centuries.
2. something resembling such a piece in form or position.
3. a collar, or set of lengthened or specially marked hairs or feathers, on the neck of an animal.
4. Ornithology. a species of European and Asian sandpiper, Philomachus pugnax, the male of which has a large erectile ruff of feathers during the breeding season. Compare reeve ³.
5. Alaska and Northern Canada. a fringe of fur around the edge of a parka hood or along the edges of a jacket.

verb (used with object)

1. tease ( def 5 ).

ruff

²

[ ruhf ]

noun

1. an act or instance of trumping when one cannot follow suit.
2. an old game of cards, resembling whist.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to trump when unable to follow suit.

ruff

³

[ ruhf ]

noun

1. a small European freshwater fish, Acerina cernua, of the perch family.

ruff

¹

/ rʌf /

noun

1. another word for trump 1
2. an old card game similar to whist

verb

1. cards another word for trump 1

ruff

²

/ rʌf /

noun

1. another name for roughie 1

ruff

³

/ rʌf /

noun

1. a circular pleated, gathered, or fluted collar of lawn, muslin, etc, often starched or wired, worn by both men and women in the 16th and 17th centuries
2. zoology a natural growth of long or coloured hair or feathers around the necks of certain animals or birds
3. 1. an Old World shore bird, Philomachus pugnax , the male of which has a large erectile ruff of feathers in the breeding season: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes
   2. the male of this bird Compare reeve 3

Derived Forms

• ˈruffˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• rufflike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruff¹

First recorded in 1515–25; perhaps back formation from ruffle ¹

Origin of ruff²

First recorded in 1580–90; probably from French ro(u)ffle, from Old French romfle, ronfle, from Italian ronfa a card game, possibly a shortening of trionfo triumph ( def ), or from German Trumpf trump ¹

Origin of ruff³

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English roffe, ruffe, rowe; further origin uncertain; perhaps special use of rough

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruff¹

C16: from Old French roffle ; perhaps changed from Italian trionfa trump ¹

Origin of ruff²

C16: back formation from ruffle ¹

Example Sentences

A seductive dance in a see-through embroidered shirt, crimson ruff and gold leather belt allows George to beguile the king.

From Los Angeles Times

The comedian arrived dressed as Queen Elizabeth I, in a white cape and gown with a ruff around his neck.

From BBC

The comedian arrived dressed as Queen Elizabeth I, in a white cape and gown with a ruff around his neck.

From BBC

With their distinctive spiny ruffs and zebra stripes, lionfish are among the more flamboyant of coral reef fish species.

From National Geographic

A striking tulle ruff neck adornment opened the show, paving the way for pieces like an A-line black mini dress that captured the essence of a ballerina silhouette.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• eyebrow
• fiber
• fur
• grass
• haircut
• hairstyle
• mane
• sideburn
• strand
• wig
• wool