RUF'FLE, v.t. 1. Properly, to wrinkle; to draw or contract into wrinkles, open plaits or folds.2. To disorder by disturbing a smooth surface; to make uneven by agitation; as, to ruffle the sea or a lake.She smooth'd the ruffl'd seas.3. To discompose by disturbing a calm state of; to agitate; to disturb; as, to ruffle the mind; to ruffle the passions or the temper. It expresses less than fret and vex.4. To throw into disorder or confusion.- Where best he might the ruffl'd foe invest.5. To throw together in a disorderly manner.I ruffl'd up fall'n leaves in heap. [Unusual.]6. To furnish with ruffles; as, to ruffle a shirt.RUF'FLE, v.i. 1. To grow rough or turbulent; as, the winds ruffle.2. To play loosely; to flutter.On his right shoulder his thick mane reclin'd, ruffles at speed and dances in the wind.3. To be rough; to jar; to be contention.They would ruffle with jurors. Obs.RUF'FLE, n. 1. A strip of plaited cambric or other fine cloth attached to some border of a garment, as to the wristband or bosom. That at the bosom is sometimes called by the English, a frill.2. Disturbance; agitation; commotion; as, to put the mind or temper in a ruffle.RUF'FLE,
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