ruffian

Etymology

From Middle French rufian, from Italian ruffiano (“pimp”).

noun

  1. A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
  2. (obsolete) A pimp; a pander.
  3. (obsolete) A lover; a paramour.
    He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians. 1621, John Reynolds, The Triumphs of God's Revenge against the crying and execrable Sinne of Murther

verb

  1. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.

adj

  1. Brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous.
    ruffian rage

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