1.A muslin or linen collar plaited, crimped, or fluted, worn formerly by both sexes, now only by women and children. "Here to-morrow with his best ruff on." "His gravity is much lessened since the late proclamation came out against ruffs;... they were come to that height of excess herein, that twenty shillings were used to be paid for starching of a ruff."
2.Something formed with plaits or flutings, like the collar of this name. "I reared this flower;... Soft on the paper ruff its leaves I spread."
3.An exhibition of pride or haughtiness. "How many princes... in the ruff of all their glory, have been taken down from the head of a conquering army to the wheel of the victor's chariot!"
4.Wanton or tumultuous procedure or conduct. (Obs.) "To ruffle it out in a riotous ruff."
5.(Mil.) A low, vibrating beat of a drum, not so loud as a roll; a ruffle.
6.(Mach.) A collar on a shaft ot other piece to prevent endwise motion.
7.(Zool.) A set of lengthened or otherwise modified feathers round, or on, the neck of a bird.
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