Dictionary
1ruff
noun \ˈrəf\
Definition of RUFF
: a small freshwater European perch (Acerina cernua)
Variants of RUFF
ruff or ruffe \ˈrəf\
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Origin of RUFF
Middle English ruf
First Known Use: 15th century
2ruff
noun
Definition of RUFF
1
: a large round collar of pleated muslin or linen worn by men and women of the late 16th and early 17th centuries
2
: a fringe or frill of long hairs or feathers growing around or on the neck of an animal
3
: a common Eurasian sandpiper (Philomachus pugnax) whose male during the breeding season has a large ruff of erectile feathers on the neck
— ruffed \ˈrəft\ adjective
Illustration of RUFF
Origin of RUFF
probably back-formation from ruffle
First Known Use: 1555
3ruff
verb
Definition of RUFF
intransitive verb
: to take a trick with a trump
transitive verb
: to play a trump on (a card previously led or played)
Origin of RUFF
Middle French roffler
First Known Use: 1598
4ruff
noun
Definition of RUFF
: the act of trumping
First Known Use of RUFF
circa 1828
RUFF Defined for Kids
ruff
noun \ˈrəf\
Definition of RUFF for Kids
1
: a large round collar of pleated fabric worn by men and women in the 16th and 17th centuries
2
: a fringe of long hairs or feathers growing around or on the neck of an animal
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