† ˈRuffin1 Obs.
Forms: 3, 6–7 ruffin, 4–6 ruffyn(e, 5 rofyn; 6–7 ruffian.
[Of obscure origin; perh. related to ruffian n., but recorded much earlier than that word. See also ruffy1.]
1. The name of a fiend.
| a 1225 St. Marher. 13 Þou..art mi broðeres bone, ruffines of helle. c 1250 Meid. Maregrete l, Ruffin was my broþer, þat tou here sclowe. 1426 Audelay Poems 77 So hard Rofyn rogud his roll, That he smot with his choule, Aȝayns the marbystone. a 1500 Chester Plays v. 166*, I have godis wonder fell; both ruffin and ragnell will work right as I them tell. |
2. Cant. The Devil.
It is doubtful whether this is a continuation of the old name, or a new application of ruffian n. In the Chester Plays i. 239 the Harl. MS. has Ruffian in place of Ruffin of the other copies.
| 1567 Harman Caveat (1869) 84 To the ruffian, to the deuell. The ruffian cly the, the deuyll take thee. 1608 Dekker Lanth. & Candle Lt. C iij b, The Ruffin cly the nab of the Harman beck. a 1625 Fletcher Beggar's Bush iii. iii, And let the Quire Cuffin, And Hermanbecks trine, and trine to the Ruffin. 1641 Brome Joviall Crew ii. Wks. 1873 III. 389, I sweare by the Ruffin, That we are assaulted by a quire Cuffin. |