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Definition of: ruffian
(ruf′ē·ən, ruf′yən) noun
A lawless, brutal, cruel fellow; a rough; one ready for or given to riotous, cruel, or murderous deeds.
—adjective Lawlessly or recklessly brutal or cruel. [<F rufian <Ital. rufiano pimp,? <OHG ruf dirty]
—ruf′fi·an·ism noun
—ruf′·fi·an·ly adjective
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