I. ˈgrəf 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
II. transitive verb
Date: 1706
: to utter in a gruff voice or manner