Ruf"fian (? or ?; 277), n. [F. rufien, OF. ruffen, ruffian, pimp. libertine, ake; cf. pr. & Sp. rufian, It. ruffiano; all perhaps of German or Dutch origin; cf. G. raufen to pluck, scuffle, fight, OD. roffen to pander. Cf. Ruffle to grow urbulent.] 1. A pimp; a pander; also, a paramour. [Obs.]

he [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, reveling with her ruffians.

2. A boisterous, cruel, brutal fellow; a desperate fellow ready for murderous or cruel deeds; a cutthroat.

Wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian?

Ruf"fian, a. brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous; as, ruffian rage.

Ruf"fian, v. i. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult. [R.] Shak.

Ruf"fian (? or ?; 277), n. [F. rufien, OF. ruffen, ruffian, pimp. libertine, ake; cf. pr. & Sp. rufian, It. ruffiano; all perhaps of German or Dutch origin; cf. G. raufen to pluck, scuffle, fight, OD. roffen to pander. Cf. Ruffle to grow urbulent.] 1. A pimp; a pander; also, a paramour. [Obs.]

he [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, reveling with her ruffians.

2. A boisterous, cruel, brutal fellow; a desperate fellow ready for murderous or cruel deeds; a cutthroat.

Wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian?

Ruf"fian, a. brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous; as, ruffian rage.

Ruf"fian, v. i. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult. [R.] Shak.

• a scoundrel, rascal or unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable person