gruff

Etymology 1

From West Flemish and Dutch grof (“rude, coarse, rough”), from Middle Dutch grof (“coarse”), from Old Dutch *grof, of uncertain formation and relation, yet undoubtedly cognate with Saterland Frisian groaf (“rough, coarse, crude”), West Frisian grof (“rough, coarse, crude”), Low German groff (“rough, coarse, crude”), German grob (“rough, coarse, crude”), Swedish grov (“rough, coarse, crude”). Perhaps originating from Proto-West Germanic *gahrob, from Proto-Germanic *gahrubaz, *hrubaz, related to Proto-Germanic *hreubaz (“scabby, rough, scrubby”) or alternatively from Proto-West Germanic *grob, from Proto-Germanic *grubaz (“coarse, rough”).

adj

1. having a rough, surly, and harsh demeanor and nature.
2. hoarse-voiced.

verb

1. To speak gruffly.
   “Who gave you that?” replied my father angrily. “Did you bribe someone?” “No,” I told him. “It was a gift, from some people who really want me to be on this trip.” “Fine,” he gruffed. 2001, Benny Hinn, He Touched Me: An Autobiography

Etymology 2

Perhaps related to Dutch grof (“rough, coarse”).

adj

1. (British India) Of goods: bulky.
   […] articles that usually compose the gruff cargoes of our outward bound shipping. 1765, John Zephaniah Holwell, Interesting Historical Events..., page 194
   […] which by causing a great export of rice enhances the price of labour, and consequently of all other gruff, piece-goods and raw silk […] quoted in 1869, James Long, Selections from Unpublished Records of Government... (page 171)