n. [ F. rufien, OF. ruffien, ruffian, pimp, libertine, rake; cf. Pr. & Sp. rufian, It. ruffiano; all perhaps of German or Dutch origin; cf. G. raufen to pluck, scuffle, fight, OD. roffen to pander. Cf. Ruffle to grow turbulent. ]
He [ her husband ] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, reveling with her ruffians. Bp. Reynolds. [ 1913 Webster ]
Wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous;
v. i. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult. [ R. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Ruffians, collectively; a body of ruffians. “The vilest ruffianage.” Sir F. Palgrave. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Having the qualities or manners of a ruffian; ruffianly. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Ruffianly. Fulke. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Like a ruffian; bold in crimes; characteristic of a ruffian; violent; brutal. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Ruffianly. [ Obs. ] Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]