ruffian

ruf·fi·an

noun \ˈrə-fē-ən\

Definition of RUFFIAN

: a brutal person : bully

— ruffian adjective

— ruf·fi·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

— ruf·fi·an·ly adjective

Examples of RUFFIAN

1. <a gang of ruffians preying upon people who ventured into that section of town>

Origin of RUFFIAN

Middle French rufian

First Known Use: 1531

Related to RUFFIAN

Synonyms: bully, gangbanger, gangsta, gangster, goon, gorilla, homeboy, homey (or homie), hood, hooligan, mobster, mug, plug-ugly, punk, roughneck, rowdy, hoodlum, thug, tough, toughie (also toughy), yob [British], yobbo [British]

Related Words: cutthroat, scoundrel, villain; assassin, bandit, bravo, brigand, criminal, crook, desperado, felon, gunman, highwayman, lawbreaker, mafioso, malefactor, offender, outlaw, perp, perpetrator, pirate; pickpocket, racketeer, robber, swindler, thief, vandal; juvenile delinquent, tearaway [British]

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