RUFF Ruff, n. Etym: [Of uncertain origin: cf. Icel. r rough, uncombed, Pr. ruf rude, rough, Sp. rufo frizzed, crisp, curled, G. raufen to pluck, fight, rupfen to pluck, pull, E. rough. sq. root18. Cf. Ruffle to wrinkle.]
1. A muslin or linen collar plaited, crimped, or fluted, worn formerly by both sexes, now only by women and children. Here to-morrow with his best ruff on. Shak. His gravity is much lessened since the late proclamation came out against ruffs; . . . they were come to that height of excess herein, that twenty shillings were used to be paid for starching of a ruff. Howell.
2. Something formed with plaits or flutings, like the collar of this name. I reared this flower; . . . Soft on the paper ruff its leaves I spread. Pope.
3. An exhibition of pride or haughtiness. How many princes . . . in the ruff of all their glory, have been taken down from the head of a conquering army to the wheel of the victor's chariot! L'Estrange.
4. Wanton or tumultuous procedure or conduct. [Obs.] To ruffle it out in a riotous ruff. Latimer.
5. (Mil.)
Defn: A low, vibrating beat of a drum, not so loud as a roll; a ruffle.
6. (Mach.)
Defn: A collar on a shaft ot other piece to prevent endwise motion.
See Illust. of Collar.
7. (Zoöl.)