Main Entry:

¹gruff

Pronunciation:

\ˈgrəf\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Dutch grof; akin to Old High German grob coarse, hruf scurf — more at dandruff

Date:

1691

1 : rough, brusque, or stern in manner, speech, or aspect <a gruff reply> 2 : being deep and harsh : hoarse <a gruff voice>

synonyms see bluff

— gruff·ly adverb

— gruff·ness noun