A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Ruf(f)le, Rif(f)le, v. Also: ruffel(l, ruffill. [ME and e.m.E. ruffel in sense 2 below (Cursor M.), to disorder (Caxton), etc. Cf. ON rúfla to scratch, hrufa rough surface, crust.] tr.
1. To throw into disarray or disorder.1375 Barb. iv 145 (E).
Thai full oft thar fayis ruflyt [C. ruschit] For thai nakyn perall refusyt 1549 Lamb Resonyng 3/15, 5/2.
Think ȝow nocht the Inglismen be guid trastie men of warre and victorius peopill that dois … ruffill ȝow … ? The Inglis dois nocht ruffill ws so mekill as our awin mishaving to God and misgyding in veirfare 1669 Aberd. Univ. MS M387/10/1/7/2.
Marching on heids of troups on the sabath day ruffling houssis & searching for the students Ib. /1.
b. To confuse or bewilder; to bring to a state of perplexity; to annoy, trouble or vex (the mind).(1) a1500 Henr. Practysis 4.
Ȝe wald deir me I trow becaus I am dottit To ruffill me with a ryme c1610 Melville Mem. 337.
Albeit his majestie was determinit to trait them weill … they wer nevertheles mishandled, ruffeled, triffelit, drifted and delayed heir(2) a1658 Durham Scandal (1740) 317.
The memory of these things is ready to riffle men's minds Ib. 320.
Beginning at some point … wherein the difference is highest doth often at the entry rifle mens humours
2. To spoil the smoothness, regularity or neatness of (cloth).15.. Clar. iv 1055.
He to just full royallie begane. Before his speir the knightis gois to grund … Or he wald rest he ruffellit thair atyre
b. To break the surface of (a seal); to tamper with.1700 Misc. Spald. C. III 184.
The sealls was not rufled, but he heard that they had taken out the back of the chist and putt it in again
c. Of the elements: To damage; to cause damage to the surface or exterior of a building.1667 Lamont Diary 196.
The roofes blowen off, Gray-Frier ch[urch] ruffelled 1710 Rothesay Par. Rec. 271.
Thomas went up on his house to thatch some part thereof which the storm had ruffled
