ˈruffianing, vbl. n.
[f. ruffian n.]
1. Dissolute or riotous conduct. ? Obs.
| 1549 Coverdale, etc. Erasm. Par. Thess. 1 That the vnlearned might..repent of light ruffianyng and blasphemous carnal Gospelling. 1556 Olde Antichrist 94 Their intemperaunce, ruffionyng, glotonie. |
2. Brutal unscientific boxing.
| 1829 P. Egan Boxiana 2nd. Ser. II. 446 Ruffianing was all the go at Moulsey Hurst so slippery, Till Science took the cause in hand. 1896 A. Morrison Child of the Jago 131 The sparring was not long..; the main hits and guards, with much rushing and ruffianing. |