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Definition of Ruffian
1. Noun. A cruel and brutal fellow.
Generic synonyms: Aggressor, Assailant, Assaulter, Attacker
Specialized synonyms: Bullyboy, Muscle, Muscleman, Skinhead, Plug-ugly, Tough Guy
Derivative terms: Bully, Ruffianly
Definition of Ruffian
1. n. A pimp; a pander; also, a paramour.
2. a. brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous; as, ruffian rage.
3. v. i. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.
Definition of Ruffian
1. Noun. A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Ruffian
1. a tough, lawless person [n -S]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Ruffian
Literary usage of Ruffian
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. A General Collection of the Best and Most Interesting Voyages and Travels in by John Pinkerton (1809)
"... but alfo for all others, until 1707, when fome new ruffian types, ...
und Deutche Grammatik, printed at Vienna, 1/74^ | See a Specimen of the ruffian ..."
2. The Annual Registeredited by Edmund Burke edited by Edmund Burke (1800)
"Various Actions between Hie ruffian and ... Inefficacy of this for the great End
for which they had taken up Arms.—Prevalence of the ruffian Power. ..."
3. A Select Glossary of English Words Used Formerly in Senses Different from by Richard Chenevix Trench (1865)
"At the same time the ' ruffian' is not merely the 'leno,' he is the ... the first
a stout ruffian to guard her.— Hollands Leaguer, 1632, no pagination. ..."
4. The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain (2001)
"Suddenly a great drunken ruffian collared him and said— "Out to this time of
night again, and hast not brought a farthing home, I warrant me! ..."
5. Henry Ward Beecher: A Sketch of His Career: with Analyses of His Power as a by Lyman Abbott, Samuel Byram Halliday (1887)
"BORDER ruffian. Immediately after the morning ... He answered, " I am a Methodist
preacher from Texas ; I was a border ruffian, and I'll bet a nickel if Mr. ..."
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