ruffler

noun

ruf·​fler
-f(É™)lÉ™(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 beT. 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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ruffler

Cite this Entry

“Ruffler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffler. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!