ruffler

noun

ruf·​fler
-f(ə)lə(r)
plural -s
1
archaic : a vagabond rogue or beggar of the 16th century often professing to be an injured soldier
2
: a swaggering roistering fellow
strut like the bold rufflers they fancied themselves to be—T. B. Costain
3
: disturber
a great ruffler of pat orthodoxies
4
: a sewing-machine attachment for making ruffles

Word History

Etymology

ruffle entry 1 + -er

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruffler was in 1535

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Dictionary Entries Near ruffler

ruffle feathers

ruffler

ruff out

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ruffler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffler. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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