adj.
Pronunciation: ' gr ə f
Function: adjective
Etymology: Dutch grof; akin to Old High German grob coarse, hruf scurf ― more at DANDRUFF
Date: 1691
1 : rough, brusque, or stern in manner, speech, or aspect <a gruff reply>
2 : being deep and harsh : HOARSE <a gruff voice>
synonyms see BLUFF
– gruff · ly adverb
– gruff · ness noun