(transitive) To shape (fabric, etc.) into a ruff; to adorn (a garment, etc.) with a ruff.
(transitive, falconry) Of a falcon, hawk, etc.: to hit (the prey) without fixing or grabbing hold of it.
(rare, transitive) To ruffle; to disorder.
(obsolete, transitive) Of a bird: to ruffle its feathers.
(obsolete, transitive) To boast, to brag.
(obsolete, intransitive) To speak in a loud and domineering manner; to bluster, to swagger.
Noun
Alternative spelling of ruffe: a smallfreshwaterfish of the genus Gymnocephalus; specifically the Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua or Gymnocephalus cernuus) which has spiny fins; the pope.
Arripis georgianus, a fish found in cool waters off the southern coast of Australia; the Australian herring or tommy ruff.
(transitive) To play a trump card to a trick when unable to follow suit (that is, to play a card of the same suit as the previous or leading card). [late 16th c.]
(transitive) Especially in the form ruff out: to defeat (a card, etc.) by ruffing, thus establishing the master card in the suit led.
Noun
An instance of ruffing, or an opportunity to ruff, when unable to follow suit. [late 16th c.]
(obsolete) A game similar to whist and its predecessor. [late 16th c.]
Noun
(music) A low, vibrating beat of a drum, quieter than a roll; a ruffle.
Verb
(transitive) To beat a ruff or ruffle, as on a drum.
(intransitive) Of a drum, etc.: to have a ruff or ruffle beaten on it.
