noun General Slang

Ruffler

/ˈrʌflər/ · noun · slang

A swaggering beggar posing as a maimed ex-soldier — second only to the upright man.

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Definitions

1

By extension, a bullying, swaggering rogue — one who rs alms by intimidation on the open road.

“A ruffler on a lonely lane was as much robber as beggar.”
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2

Loosely, a quarrelsome swashbuckling fellow given to 'ruffling' or making a violent show.

“He played the ruffler in the alehouse till sharper men put him down.”
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3

A sturdy vagabond who begged by posing as a wounded ex-soldier or sailor, extorting alms by menace as much as by pity. Ranked just below the upright man.

“The ruffler showed a false-bound arm and a tale of the wars to wring coin from travellers.”
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Ruffler In A Sentence

The ruffler's wound was paint and bandage, not iron.
Harman placed the ruffler second in his orders of rogues.
Two rufflers worked the highway, one begging, one watching the purse.

Origin & Usage

Described by Thomas Harman (1566) as second in rank among the orders of vagabonds, typically a discharged or pretended soldier. The word relates to 'ruffle' — to swagger or bluster.

Variants ruffler
Tags #thieves-cant#cant#historical#british#beggary

People Also Ask

What is a ruffler in thieves' cant?

A swaggering beggar who posed as a maimed ex-soldier to extort alms, ranked just below the upright man in Harman's 1566 account.

Was a ruffler dangerous?

Yes — rufflers begged by menace and on lonely roads were as likely to rob as to plead.

Where does the word come from?

From Harman (1566); it relates to 'ruffle', meaning to swagger or bluster.

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