I. ˈrədē, -di adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English rudi, rudie, from Old English rudig, from rudu rud + -ig -y — more at rud
1. : having or marked by a reddish color associated with the glow of good health or a suffusion of blood (as from exercise, excitement, exposure)
a ruddy complexion
ruddy face
stout ruddy countryman
2.
a. : of the color red
b. : red , reddish
ruddy glares from the blast furnaces — D.E.Keir
3. : glowing , lively , vivid
ruddy memories
4. Britain — used as a generalized expression of intensification
a ruddy lie
a ruddy shame
often losing all force
what's the ruddy matter
— often considered vulgar
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: to make ruddy : redden
sunlight ruddied the windows
III. adverb
Britain — an intensive
could ruddy well do as he liked
— often considered vulgar