[riff] n [prob. by shortening & alter. fr. refrain] (1935) 1: an ostinato phrase (as in jazz) typically supporting a solo improvisation; also: a piece based on such a phrase
2: a short succint usu. witty comment; also: bit, routine
[2]riff vi (1950): to perform a riff [3]riff vb [short for riffle] (1952): riffle, skim "~ pages" Riff n, pl Riffs or Riffi or Riff (1903): a Berber of the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco