ruff

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

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, skein, zygodactyl