ruffian
English
/ˈɹʌfi.ən/
noun
Definitions
- A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
- (obsolete) A pimp; a pander.
- (obsolete) A lover; a paramour.
Etymology
Derived from Middle French rufian derived from Italian ruffiano (pimp, procurer, pander).
Origin
Italian (Fiorentino)
ruffiano
Gloss
pimp, procurer, pander
Timeline
Distribution of cognates by language
Geogrpahic distribution of cognates
Cognates and derived terms
- ruffianage English
- ruffianish English
- ruffianism English
- ruffianlike English
- ruffianly English
- ruffianous English
- ruffianeggiare Italian
- ruffianeria Italian
- ruffianesco Italian
- ruffiano Italian
- rufian French
- rufián Spanish, Castilian
- ruifíneach Irish
- hruf Old High German
- hruf, hrŭf Old High German
- rufian Middle French