[ruf.fle] vb ruf.fled ; ruf.fling [ME ruffelen; akin to LG ruffelen to crumple] vt (14c) 1 a: roughen, abrade b: trouble, vex "is not ruffled by such barbs --Bruce Anderson"
2: to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff 3 a: to flip through (as pages) b: shuffle
4: to make into a ruffle ~ vi: to become ruffled "their dispositions ~ perceptibly --Life"
[2]ruffle n (1534) 1: commotion, brawl
2: a state or cause of irritation 3 a: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge b:
[2]ruff 2
4: an unevenness or disturbance of surface: ripple -- ruf.fly adj [3]ruffle n [ruff a drumbeat] (ca. 1802): a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll