Definition of "ruffian" []

• A tough or rowdy person. (noun)
• A thug or gangster. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "It does not appear, however, that the term ruffian is altogether misplaced."
• "Uncle Angelo had a brother, Salvatore, who was known as a ruffian by most men in the streets."
• "The Countess preserves her impenetrable composure; nothing in her betrays the deadly hatred with which she regards the titled ruffian who has insulted her."