RUFFLE. A term used among the drummers to signify a sort of vibrating sound, which is made upon a drum, and is less loud than the roll.
To beat a Ruffle. To make a low vibrating noise upon the drum. It is generally practised in paying a military compliment to a general officer, and at military funerals.
In the British army a lieutenant-general is entitled to three ruffles.
A major-general to two ruffles.
A brigadier-general to one ruffle.
RUG, (couverture velue, Fr.) A coarse nappy coverlet used for mean beds. Each set of bedding which is provided for regimental hospitals has one rug.
RUILLER, Fr. To establish marks for the purpose of rendering surfaces and places correct.
RUINE, Fr. Literally signifies ruin. It is used by the French in a warlike sense.
Battre en Ruine, Fr. To defeat an enemy in such a manner as to destroy all means of taking the field again.
RUINES, Fr. Ruins.