Meaning of Ruffian | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
2. A pimp; a pander.
   obsolete
3. A lover; a paramour.
   obsolete

Equivalents

Examples

“What wilt thou on thy death-bed play the Ruffian?”

“It was at Count Siloszech's. He'd heard her sing in the streets, with a tall, black-bearded ruffian, who accompanied her on a guitar, and a little fiddling gypsy fellow. She was a handsome woman, with hair down to her knees, but stupid as an owl.”

“He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians.”

CEFR level