Standard Lemma guide

ruffler

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈɹʌflə/
  • General-American: /ˈɹʌflɚ/
  • rhymes with -ʌflə(ɹ)

1

noun

Meaning 1

A ruffian, bully, or villain, especially a 16th-17th-century vagabond operating under the guise of a maimed soldier or sailor.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: historical

Examples

  • 1840-1841, Charles Dickens, Master Humphrey's Clock [...] and then how he grasped his club and longed to do battle with a dozen rufflers, for the love of Mistress Alice!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A sewing machine attachment for making ruffles.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From ruffle + -er.