ruffle

v. i. [ Perhaps of different origin from ruffle to wrinkle; cf. OD. roffeln, roffen, to pander, LG. raffein, Dan. ruffer a pimp. Cf. Rufflan. ] 1. To grow rough, boisterous, or turbulent. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The night comes on, and the bleak winds
Do sorely ruffle. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To become disordered; to play loosely; to flutter. [ 1913 Webster ]

On his right shoulder his thick mane reclined,
Ruffles at speed, and dances in the wind. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To be rough; to jar; to be in contention; hence, to put on airs; to swagger. [ 1913 Webster ]

They would ruffle with jurors. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Gallants who ruffled in silk and embroidery. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Ruffle, v. t. & i. ] 1. That which is ruffled; specifically, a strip of lace, cambric, or other fine cloth, plaited or gathered on one edge or in the middle, and used as a trimming; a frill. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A state of being ruffled or disturbed; disturbance; agitation; commotion; as, to put the mind in a ruffle. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Mil.) A low, vibrating beat of a drum, not so loud as a roll; -- called also ruff. H. L. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Zool.) The connected series of large egg capsules, or oothecae, of any one of several species of American marine gastropods of the genus Fulgur. See Ootheca. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ruffle of a boot, the top turned down, and scalloped or plaited. Halliwell. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having no ruffle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of ruffling. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]