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