Bluff (�), a. [Cf. OD. blaf flat, broad, blaffaert one with a broad face, also, a boaster; or G. verblüffen to confuse, LG. bluffen to frighten; to unknown origin.] 1. Having a broad, flattened front; as, the bluff bows of a ship. “Bluff visages.” Irving.
2. Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front. “A bluff or bold shore.” Falconer.
Its banks, if not really steep, had a bluff and precipitous aspect.
Judd.
3. Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.
4. Abrupt; roughly frank; unceremonious; blunt; brusque; as, a bluff answer; a bluff manner of talking; a bluff sea captain. “Bluff King Hal.” Sir W. Scott.
There is indeed a bluff pertinacity which is a proper defense in a moment of surprise.
I. Taylor.