ruffle

Etymology

From Middle English ruffelen, perhaps from Old Norse hrufla (“to graze, scratch”) or Middle Low German ruffelen (“to wrinkle, curl”). Further origin unknown. Related to Middle Dutch ruyffelen, German Low German ruffeln. See English ruff.

noun

1. Any gathered or curled strip of fabric added as trim or decoration.
   She loved the dress with the lace ruffle at the hem.
2. Disturbance; agitation; commotion.
   to put the mind in a ruffle
3. (military) A low, vibrating beat of a drum, quieter than a roll; a ruff.
4. (zoology) The connected series of large egg capsules, or oothecae, of several species of American marine gastropods of the genus Fulgur.

verb

1. (transitive) To make a ruffle in; to curl or flute, as an edge of fabric.
   Ruffle the end of the cuff.
2. (transitive) To disturb; especially, to cause to flutter.
   The wind ruffled the papers.
   Her sudden volley of insults ruffled his composure.
   These ruffle the tranquillity of the mind. 1860, Sir William Hamilton, Sir William Hamilton, 9th Baronet
   "Ladies and gentlemen," said Mr. Wonka, coming up close and raising both hands for silence. "Please, I beg you, do not ruffle yourselves! There's nothing to worry about." 1972, Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Knopf, page 114
   [Finn] Russell created his side’s three first-half tries, ruffling a defence known for its composure, and dictated the match from the off. 24 February 2018, Paul Rees, “Finn Russell masterminds historic Scotland victory over England”, in The Guardian, London, archived from the original on 2018-04-22
3. (intransitive) To grow rough, boisterous, or turbulent.
4. (intransitive) To become disordered; to play loosely; to flutter.
5. (intransitive) To be rough; to jar; to be in contention; hence, to put on airs; to swagger.
6. To make into a ruff; to draw or contract into puckers, plaits, or folds; to wrinkle.
7. To erect in a ruff, as feathers.
8. (military) To beat with the ruff or ruffle, as a drum.
9. To throw together in a disorderly manner.