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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Ruffian \Ruf"fian\ (r[u^]f"yan or r[u^]f"f[i^]*an; 277), n. [F.
rufien, OF. ruffien, ruffian, pimp, libertine, rake; cf. Pr.
& Sp. rufian, It. ruffiano; all perhaps of German or Dutch
origin; cf. G. raufen to pluck, scuffle, fight, OD. roffen to
pander. Cf. Ruffle to grow turbulent.]
1. A pimp; a pander; also, a paramour. [Obs.]
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He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is
instantly at home, reveling with her ruffians. --Bp.
Reynolds.
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2. A boisterous, cruel, brutal fellow; a desperate fellow
ready for murderous or cruel deeds; a cutthroat.
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Wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian? --Shak.
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2. Hence: A tough, lawless or bullying person.
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Ruffian \Ruf"fian\, a.
Brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous; as, ruffian
rage.
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Ruffian \Ruf"fian\, v. i.
To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult. [R.] --Shak.
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