Ruff Meaning in English
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Definition
A ruff is a large, stiff, and often pleated decorative collar worn in the 16th and 17th centuries. It also refers to a ring of long or special feathers or fur around an animal's neck, especially birds.
Usage & Nuances
Refers to historical European fashion or animal anatomy. In fashion, it's formal and now only seen in costumes, art, or period dramas. In animals, commonly describes birds, especially in ornithology. Do not confuse with 'rough' (meaning not smooth) or the dog sound 'ruff' (onomatopoeia).
Example Sentences
The queen wore a large ruff around her neck.
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Some birds have a colorful ruff of feathers.
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The actor wore a ruff in the play set in the 1600s.
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The lion’s furry ruff made him look even more majestic.
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Shakespeare portraits often show him wearing a white ruff.
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That parrot’s red ruff really stands out against its green body.
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