ruffian
ruf·fi·an (r
f
-
n, rfyn)
n.
1. A tough or rowdy person.
2. A thug or gangster.
[French, pimp, from Old French rufien, from Old Provençal rufian, from Old Italian ruffiano.]
ruffi·an·ism n.
ruffi·an·ly adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Noun |
1. |
ruffian – a cruel and brutal fellowbullyboy – a swaggering tough; usually one acting as an agent of a political factionmuscleman, muscle – a bully employed as a thug or bodyguard; “the drug lord had his muscleman to protect him”skinhead – a young person who belongs to a British or American group that shave their heads and gather at rock concerts or engage in white supremacist demonstrations |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
