Ruf″fle (?), v. i. [Perhaps of different origin from ruffle to wrinkle; cf. OD. roffeln, roffen, to pander, LG. raffein, Dan. ruffer a pimp. Cf. Rufflan.] 1. To grow rough, boisterous, or turbulent.
The night comes on, and the bleak winds
Do sorely ruffle. Shak.
2. To become disordered; to play loosely; to flutter.
On his right shoulder his thick mane reclined,
Ruffles at speed, and dances in the wind. Dryden.
3. To be rough; to jar; to be in contention; hence, to put on airs; to swagger.
They would ruffle with jurors. Bacon.
Gallants who ruffled in silk and embroidery. Sir W. Scott.