Definitions for the word "ruffle" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. t.
To make into a ruff; to draw or contract into puckers, plaits, or folds; to wrinkle.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To furnish with ruffles; as, to ruffle a shirt.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To oughen or disturb the surface of; to make uneven by agitation or commotion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
To erect in a ruff, as feathers.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To beat with the ruff or ruffle, as a drum.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To discompose; to agitate; to disturb.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To throw into disorder or confusion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To throw together in a disorderly manner.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To grow rough, boisterous, or turbulent.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. i.
To become disordered; to play loosely; to flutter.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. i.
To be rough; to jar; to be in contention; hence, to put on airs; to swagger.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t. & i.
That which is ruffled; specifically, a strip of lace, cambric, or other fine cloth, plaited or gathered on one edge or in the middle, and used as a trimming; a frill.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. t. & i.
A state of being ruffled or disturbed; disturbance; agitation; commotion; as, to put the mind in a ruffle.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. t. & i.
A low, vibrating beat of a drum, not so loud as a roll; -- called also ruff.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. t. & i.
The connected series of large egg capsules, or oothecae, of any one of several species of American marine gastropods of the genus Fulgur. See Ootheca.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v.
(-ling) 1 a disturb the smoothness or tranquillity of. B undergo this. 2 gather (lace etc.) Into a ruffle. 3 (often foll. By up) (of a bird) erect (its feathers) in anger, display, etc. n. Frill of lace etc., esp. Round the wrist or neck. [origin unknown]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "ruffle" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
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