1. Properly, to wrinkle; to draw or contract into wrinkles, open plaits or folds.
2. To disorder by disturbing a smooth surface; to make uneven by agitation; as, to ruffle the sea or a lake.
She smooth'd the ruffl'd seas.
3. To discompose by disturbing a calm state of; to agitate; to disturb; as, to ruffle the mind; to ruffle the passions or the temper. It expresses less than fret and vex.
4. To throw into disorder or confusion.
- Where best he might the ruffl'd foe invest.
5. To throw together in a disorderly manner.
I ruffl'd up fall'n leaves in heap. [Unusual.]
6. To furnish with ruffles; as, to ruffle a shirt.
RUF'FLE, v.i.
1. To grow rough or turbulent; as, the winds ruffle.
2. To play loosely; to flutter.
On his right shoulder his thick mane reclin'd, ruffles at speed and dances in the wind.
3. To be rough; to jar; to be contention.
They would ruffle with jurors. Obs.
RUF'FLE, n.
1. A strip of plaited cambric or other fine cloth attached to some border of a garment, as to the wristband or bosom. That at the bosom is sometimes called by the English, a frill.
2. Disturbance; agitation; commotion; as, to put the mind or temper in a ruffle.
RUF'FLE,\par RUFF, n. A particular beat or roll of the drum, used on certain occasions in military affairs, as a mark of respect. Lieutenant Generals have three ruffles, as they pass by the regiment, guard, _c. Major generals have two, brigadiers one, _c.
RUF'FLE,\par RUFF, v.t. To beat the ruff or roll of the drum.
