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Ruffian

//ˈɹʌfi.ən// adj, noun, verb

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Brutal, cruel, ruffianlike.

    "ruffian rage"

Noun
  1. 1
    A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.

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

  2. 2
    a cruel and brutal fellow wordnet
  3. 3
    A pimp; a pander. obsolete
  4. 4
    A lover; a paramour. obsolete

    "He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians."

Verb
  1. 1
    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."

Etymology

Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

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

Etymology 3

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

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