n. & v.
n. 1 a rejection of one who makes advances, proffers help or sympathy, shows interest or curiosity, makes a request, etc. 2 a repulse; a snub.
v.tr. give a rebuff to.
[ obs. F rebuffe(r) f. It. ribuffo, ribuffare, rabbuffo, rabbuffare (as RE-, buffo puff) ]