ˈruffian-like, a. and adv.
Also 6–7 ruffin-.
[f. ruffian n.]
A. adj. Befitting, appropriate to, a ruffian; resembling, having the qualities or manners of, a ruffian.
| α 1598 Florio, Roffianamenti, bawdries or ruffianlike tricks, ruflings. a 1627 Hayward Edw. VI (1630) 142 His bold answeres termed rude and ruffianlike..only caused or much furthered his condemnation. 1657 W. Coles Adam in Eden xviii. 38 The late Witch of Salisbury, who sent her Ruffian-like spirits to gather Vervein and Dill. 1767 Wilkes Corr. (1805) III. 104 A good deal of humanity, and some share of timidity, prevented the execution of such ruffian-like commands. 1818 Cobbett Pol. Reg. XXXIII. 242 The despots, bold and ruffian-like as they are, dare not go to war against the Patriots of Spanish America. |
| β 1580 Fulke Answ. P. Frarine 54 To omit his ruffin⁓like railing, and whorish scoulding. 1581 Styward Mart. Discipl. i. 51 No souldier shall be suffered to be of a ruffin⁓like behauiour, either to prouoke or to giue anie blow or thrust. 1655 Fuller Ch. Hist. iii. 18 Which Ruffin-like custom of long hair now used by the Normans, was here justly restrained. |
B. adv. In the manner of a ruffian.
rare.
| 1600 Breton Pasquils Fooles-cappe Wks. (Grosart) I. 21/2 Shee that is giuen to Pride and Brauery, And Ruffin-like, will sweare, and swash it out. 1657 Bunyan Vind. Gosp. Truths Wks. 1853 II. 193 Ruffian-like they will wear long hair, which nature itself forbiddeth. |