Definitions for the word "ruff" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
A game similar to whist, and the predecessor of it.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
The act of trumping, especially when one has no card of the suit led.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i. & t.
To trump.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A muslin or linen collar plaited, crimped, or fluted, worn formerly by both sexes, now only by women and children.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
Something formed with plaits or flutings, like the collar of this name.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
An exhibition of pride or haughtiness.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
Wanton or tumultuous procedure or conduct.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A low, vibrating beat of a drum, not so loud as a roll; a ruffle.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
A collar on a shaft ot other piece to prevent endwise motion. See Illust. of Collar.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
A set of lengthened or otherwise modified feathers round, or on, the neck of a bird.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
A limicoline bird of Europe and Asia (Pavoncella, / Philommachus, pugnax) allied to the sandpipers. The males during the breeding season have a large ruff of erectile feathers, variable in their colors, on the neck, and yellowish naked tubercles on the face. They are polygamous, and are noted for their pugnacity in the breeding season. The female is called reeve, or rheeve.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
A variety of the domestic pigeon, having a ruff of its neck.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. t.
To ruffle; to disorder.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. t.
To beat with the ruff or ruffle, as a drum.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. t.
To hit, as the prey, without fixing it.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. n.
Alt. of Ruffe
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. n.
1 projecting starched frill worn round the neck, esp. In the 16th c. 2 projecting or coloured ring of feathers or hair round a bird''s or animal''s neck. 3 domestic pigeon. 4 (fem. Reeve) wading bird with a ruff. [perhaps = *rough]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
18. v.
Trump at cards. n. Trumping. [french ro(u)ffle]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
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