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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

RUFF, v.2 Also ruf. To rumple, ruffle, make (hair) to stand up (Sh. 1968).Sh. 1901 Shetland News (15 June, 20 July):
Sly begood to ruff his birse an' mak fir da door. . . . Sly stöde at me side wi' his hair ruff'd.

[Prob. a back-formation from ruffle. But cf. ruffy s.v. Ruch, adj., 2. (1) (v). ]

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