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English Lexicon

Ruffian

/ˈrʌfiən/
nounadjectiveCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #28450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

1 sense
As noun
  1. 1

    A violent person, especially one involved in crime.

    "The streets were unsafe at night, patrolled by gangs of young ruffians."
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Synonyms (3)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Late 15th century: from Old French ruffien, probably from Old Italian ruffiano 'pimp, scoundrel', of uncertain ultimate origin.

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