n. /ruf"hows'/ ; v. /ruf"hows', -howz'/ , n. , pl. roughhouses /-how'ziz/ , v. , roughhoused /-howst', -howzd'/ , roughhousing /-how'sing, -zing/ .
n.
1. rough, disorderly playing, esp. indoors.
v.i.
2. to engage in rough, disorderly play.
v.t.
3. to handle roughly but with playful intent: to roughhouse the cat.
[ 1885-90, Amer.; ROUGH + HOUSE ]