Ruffle

(rŭf'fl), v. t. [imp. & p. p. RUFFLED; p. pr. & vb. n. RUFFLING.] [From O. Eng. ruff, equivalent to rough; D. ruifelen, to wrinkle; Prov. Ger. ruffeln, rüffeln, riffeln, to pill flax, to hatchel. Cf. RIVEL, and RUFF, supra.]

1Sense 1. To make into a ruff; to draw or contract into wrinkles, open plaits, or folds; to wrinkle. Addison.

2Sense 2. To furnish with ruffles; as, to ruffle a shirt.

3Sense 3. To roughen or disturb the surface of; to make uneven by agitation or commotion. “The fantastic revelries . . . that so often ruffled the placid bosom of the Nile.” I. Taylor.

She smoothed the ruffled seas. Dryden.

4Sense 4. To discompose; to agitate; to disturb.

These ruffle the tranquillity of the mind. Sir Wm. Hamilton.

5Sense 5. To throw into disorder or confusion.

Where best He might the ruffled foe invest. Hudibras.

6Sense 6. To throw together in a disorderly manner.

I ruffled up fallen leaves in heap. Chapman.

(rŭf'fl), v. i. 1. To grow rough or turbulent. [Rare.]

Bleak winds do ruffle sorely. Shak.

2Sense 2. To play loosely; to flutter.

On his right shoulder his thick mane reclined, Ruffles at speed, and dances in the wind. Dryden.

3Sense 3. To be rough; to jar; to be in contention; hence, to put on airs; to swagger. [R.] “Among the gallants who ruffled in silk and embroidery.” W. Scott.

They would ruffle with jurors. Bacon.

(rŭf'fl), n. 1. That which is ruffed; specifically, a strip of plaited cambric, or other fine cloth, attached to some border of a garment, as to the wristband or bosom; a frill.

2Sense 2. A state of being ruffled or disturbed; disturbance; agitation; commotion; as, to put the mind or temper in a ruffle.

Ruffle of a boot, the top turned down, and scolloped or plaited. Halliwell.

(Mil.) To beat with the ruff or ruffle, as a drum.