reeve

Ruff Ruff, n. [Of uncertain origin: cf. Icel. r[umc]finn rough, uncombed, Pr. ruf rude, rough, Sp. rufo frizzed, crisp, curled, G. raufen to pluck, fight, rupfen to pluck, pull, E. rough. [root]18. Cf. {Ruffle} to wrinkle.] 1. A muslin or linen collar plaited, crimped, or fluted, worn formerly by both sexes, now only by women and children. [1913 Webster]

Here to-morrow with his best ruff on. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

His gravity is much lessened since the late proclamation came out against ruffs; . . . they were come to that height of excess herein, that twenty shillings were used to be paid for starching of a ruff. --Howell. [1913 Webster]

2. Something formed with plaits or flutings, like the collar of this name. [1913 Webster]

I reared this flower; . . . Soft on the paper ruff its leaves I spread. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

3. An exhibition of pride or haughtiness. [1913 Webster]

How many princes . . . in the ruff of all their glory, have been taken down from the head of a conquering army to the wheel of the victor's chariot! --L'Estrange. [1913 Webster]

4. Wanton or tumultuous procedure or conduct. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

To ruffle it out in a riotous ruff. --Latimer. [1913 Webster]

5. (Mil.) A low, vibrating beat of a drum, not so loud as a roll; a ruffle. [1913 Webster]

6. (Mach.) A collar on a shaft ot other piece to prevent endwise motion. See Illust. of {Collar}. [1913 Webster]

7. (Zo["o]l.) A set of lengthened or otherwise modified feathers round, or on, the neck of a bird. [1913 Webster]

8. (Zo["o]l.) (a) A limicoline bird of Europe and Asia ({Pavoncella pugnax}, syn. {Philomachus pugnax}) allied to the sandpipers. The males during the breeding season have a large ruff of erectile feathers, variable in their colors, on the neck, and yellowish naked tubercles on the face. They are polygamous, and are noted for their pugnacity in the breeding season. The female is called {reeve}, or {rheeve}. (b) A variety of the domestic pigeon, having a ruff of its neck. [1913 Webster]