rufflingn.1
/ˈrʌflɪŋ/, /ˈrʌfl̩ɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈrəf(ə)lɪŋ/ 1.
a. The action of making uneven, irregular, disordered, or †tangled; the result of this (as a ruffled or uneven surface). Also: slight agitation, †rustling.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > [noun] > disordering
ruffling1440
disordering1523
unhinging1661
upturning1846
unbalancing1889
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [noun] > rustling
whisping1379
rustlinga1387
flushinga1398
ruffling1440
stichling?1553
brustling1589
rustle1624
rash1671
titter1853
fidget1860
gush1866
reesle1866
frou-frou1870
silking1871
the world > space > shape > unevenness > [noun] > roughness > becoming or making ruffled
ruffling1440
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > irregular movement or agitation > [noun] > slight agitation
ruffling1582
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 439 Rufflynge [Winch. Rufflyng], or snarlynge, illaqueacio, innodacio.
a1475 J. Russell Bk. Nurture (Harl. 4011) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 132 Then must ye draw & reyse, þe vpper parte of þe towelle, Ley it with-out ruffelynge streiȝt to þat oþer side.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 36 Not so great a ruffling the riuer strong flasshye reteyneth.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Grippets,..the rufflings, or snarles of ouer-twisted thread.
1712 tr. H. More Scholia Antidote Atheism 162 in H. More Coll. Philos. Writings (ed. 4) The ruffling of Silks, as of a Woman walking.
1743 H. Fielding Jonathan Wild ii. x, in Misc. III. 166 The storm was now entirely ceased, and nothing remained but the usual ruffling of the Sea after it.
1786 T. Baldwin Airopaidia xxxxiv. 187 The slightest Change is first observable on the Surface of Water,..by partial Dimplings and Rufflings of the Surface.
1807 C. A. Dorset Peacock at Home 6 Such ruffling of feathers, such pruning of coats, Such chirping.
1853 G. Johnston Terra Lindisfarnensis I. 10 The little ruffling scarcely dims the beauty that ever waits upon her course.
1877 T. A. Trollope Life Pius IX I. 132 A small ruffling of the flowing stream of popularity.
1902 Badminton Mag. 14 281 It was a wonderful thing to see Kit's strong fingers tie the dainty knots,..without the least..ruffling of hair.
1977 C. Thomas Firefox (1978) i. 2 The ruffling of the clothes became more urgent, and the smile..disappeared, replaced by an intent, baffled stare into the well of each suitcase.
1996 Granta Autumn 65 ‘You sleep too, if you like, but here's your story.’ Kate heard a ruffling of pages.
b. The action or an act of making ruffles (ruffle n.1 7); (also) (a piece of) material forming, or in the form of, a ruffle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric for specific purpose > [noun] > for trimmings
garnish1527
ruffling1680
pocketing1785
flouncing1865
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > making other clothing > [noun] > making other items of clothing
mantle-making1860
ruffling1902
1680 R. L'Estrange Citt & Bumpkin 23 Citt. Prethee why should we look for any Protestant Bishops in the Kingdom, when there's no Protestant Episcopacy in the World? but for all this, we may yet live to see the Rufling of their Lawn sleeves.
1766 H. Brooke Fool of Quality I. iv. 91 There is not a bit, of all this lace and ruffling, that is not full of rank poisons.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. iv. 39 These rufflings, and pinkings, and patchings, will only make us hated by all the wives of all our neighbours.
1870 A. D. T. Whitney We Girls ii. 27 A great..toilet-cushion..edged with magic ruffling.
1902 Daily Chron. 20 Feb. 8/7 Machinists wanted at once, used to ruffling.
1938 Connecticut: Guide to Roads, Lore, & People (Federal Writers' Project) ii. 128 Rufflings, woven labels, and many types of laces..are made here.
1998 New Step-by-Step Home Decorating (Singer) (2000) 196/2 The actual length of ruffling per circle is equal to the circumference of the inner circle minus 1″ (2.5 cm) for seams and side hems.
2. The action or an act of troubling, irritating, or annoying; disturbance of something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of annoyance or vexation > [noun] > action of annoying or vexing
annoyingc1330
troublingc1340
displeasinga1387
noyance?a1400
irkingc1400
annoyancec1405
noyancy1414
vexing?a1425
annoyment1607
displeasanting1628
ruffling1647
gratinga1716
narking1894
1647 H. Hexham Copious Eng. & Netherduytch Dict. A Ruffling or stirring on a suddaine.
1672 H. More Brief Reply Pref., sig. a 8v It is a ruffling as it were, by rude reason, of your trim Formalities in your superstitious and Idolatrous Worship which you call Religion.
1733 G. Cheyne Eng. Malady iii. iv. 354 Vomits were the first Evacuations that,..without infinite Ruffling, I could bear.
1805 W. Saunders Treat. Mineral Waters (ed. 2) 320 As a cathartic, the Caroline waters operate without ruffling.
1862 Mrs. H. Freshfield Tour Grisons ix. 149 His temper would not bear ruffling.
1888 A. Jessopp Coming of Friars iii. 151 Such ruffling of the peace and quiet of conventual life was..not uncommon.
1920 J. A. Cooper Tobias o' Light xiv. 143 Lorna Nicholet possessed dignity too. Nor did she have always to wait on the ruffling of her temper to show it.
1994 A. H. Plaks in B. S. Miller Masterworks Asian Lit. iii. 276 Out of this ruffling of consciousness there emerges a demon.
3. Cell Biology. The formation of ruffles by a motile cell (cf. ruffle n.1 8c); an instance of this. Frequently in membrane ruffling.
ΚΠ
1935 Science 7 June 551/1 Malignant cells often have peculiar ruffle pseudopodia somewhat like those on macrophages.]
1940 Public Health Rep. (U.S. Public Health Service) 55 Pl. VI, following p. 310 Note the lack of lateral adhesion of the cells..and the relative absence of amoeboid ruffling of the cell edges.
1976 Internat. Rev. Cytol. 46 308 Membrane ruffling is also responsible for deep surface invaginations which in some sections appear as clear peripheral cytoplasmic vacuoles.
1988 U. S. Ryan Endothelial Cells III. xxx. 38 The endothelial cell surface responds to the presence of bound bacilli by a ruffling similar to that seen during engulfment [of] cocci.
2004 B. A. McCormick in R. J. Lamont Bacterial Invasion Host Cells i. 1 The secreted effectors are thought to interact with eukaryotic proteins..leading to membrane ruffling and engulfment of the bacterium.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2011; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† rufflingn.2
Obsolete.
1.
a. Dissension, disturbance, tumult; an instance of this.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > confusion or disorder > commotion, disturbance, or disorder > [noun]
winOE
torpelness?c1225
disturbance1297
workc1325
disturblingc1330
farec1330
frapec1330
disturbing1340
troublingc1340
blunderc1375
unresta1382
hurling1387
perturbationc1400
turbationc1400
rumblec1405
roara1413
rumourc1425
sturblance1435
troublec1435
stroublance1439
hurlc1440
hurly-burlyc1440
ruffling1440
stourc1440
rumblingc1450
sturbancec1450
unquietness?c1450
conturbationc1470
ruption1483
stir1487
wanrufe?a1505
rangat?a1513
business1514
turmoil1526
blommera1529
blunderinga1529
disturbation1529
bruyllie1535
garboil1543
bruslery1546
agitation1547
frayment1549
turmoiling1550
whirl1552
confusion1555
troublesomeness1561
rule1567
rummage1575
rabble1579
tumult1580
hurlement1585
rabblement1590
disturb1595
welter1596
coil1599
hurly1600
hurry1600
commotion1616
remotion1622
obturbation1623
stirrance1623
tumultuation1631
commoving1647
roiling1647
spudder1650
suffle1650
dissettlement1654
perturbancy1654
fermentationa1661
dissettledness1664
ferment1672
roil1690
hurry-scurry1753
vortex1761
rumpus1768
widdle1789
gilravagea1796
potheration1797
moil1824
festerment1833
burly1835
fidge1886
static1923
comess1944
frammis1946
bassa-bassa1956
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 439 Rufflynge [Winch. Rufflyng], or debate, discencio, discordia [Winch. adds discordancia].
1541 T. Paynell tr. Felicius Conspiracie of Catiline xxv. f. 45 By the reason that Fraunce should be in an vprore and ruffeling.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. lvv Capitaynes and prouokers of trayterous rufflinges.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1501/2 Whilest the hotest of this ruffling lasted, the Cardinall was aduertised thereof by sir Thomas Parre.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Mutinerie,..a stirre, trouble, businesse, ruffling, hurlyburly.
1675 J. Ogilby Britannia Ded. Tables, equally Corresponding Compliances of Peace and Rufflings of War.
b. The action of contending with someone or against something.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > [noun]
i-winc888
wrestlingc890
fightc1000
flitec1000
teenOE
winOE
ungrithlOE
wara1200
cockingc1225
strife?c1225
strivingc1275
struta1300
barratc1300
thro1303
battlec1375
contentionc1384
tuggingc1440
militationa1460
sturtc1480
bargain1487
bargaining1489
distrifea1500
concertation1509
hold1523
conflict1531
ruffle1532
tangling1535
scamblingc1538
tuilyie1550
bustling1553
tilt1567
ruffling1570
wresting1570
certationc1572
pinglinga1578
reluctation1593
combating1594
yoking1594
bandying1599
tention1602
contrast1609
colluctation1611
contestationa1616
dimication1623
rixation1623
colluctance1625
decertation1635
conflicting1640
contrasto1645
dispute1647
luctation1651
contest1665
stickle1665
contra-colluctation1674
contrasting1688
struggle1706
yed1719
widdle1789
scrambling1792
cut and thrust1846
headbutting1869
push-and-pull1881
contending1882
thrust and parry1889
aggro1973
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 247/1 Uppon this ruffelyng of Anselme with maryed priests, were riming verses made.
1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 65 For recompence of the good seruice that hee had done, in ruffling againste Priestes wyues.
2. Proud or haughty carriage; swaggering conduct or actions.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > arrogance > [noun] > conduct or behaviour
rufflinga1552
swagger1725
domineera1768
a1552 J. Leland Itinerary (1711) IV. 36 Sum say that it longgid ons to Payne caullid for his Ruffeling there Diable.
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1593) 384 The two first verses are like a banner of his Pride, which shew him [sc. Nabuchadnezzar] in his ruffling as it were in the ayre, before he knew God, or himselfe.
a1644 F. Quarles Shepheards Oracles (1646) vi. 46 O Swain, me thinks these rufflings ill befit A Shepheard's cloth.
1668 J. Dryden Sr Martin Mar-all i. 4 His Lordship then will find the Prologue of his trouble, doubting I have told you of his ruffling.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2011; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
rufflingn.3
/ˈrʌfl̩ɪŋ/, /ˈrʌflɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈrəf(ə)lɪŋ/ The action or an act of beating a ruffle (ruffle n.4) on a drum. Cf. later ruffle v.3
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > playing instruments > beating drum > [noun] > beating ruff of drums
ruffling1701
1701 J. Byres Let. to Friend at Edinb. 65 Most of their busines has been ordering what deference and respect should be payd to the Councellours and their Presidents..the outturnings of the guard, and ruffling of Drums aggreed on.
a1734 R. Wodrow Hist. Sufferings Church of Scotl. (1829) III. 415 He was interrupted by the ruffling of the drums.
1788 W. Gordon Hist. Independence U.S.A. II. x. 540 In a few minutes the action became general, and lasted about two hours, with one continued noise like the ruffling of a drum.
1851 J. Grant Bothwell II. ii. 20 Again there was a ruffling of kettle-drums.
1905 H. Bernstein tr. M. Gorky Man who was Afraid xiii. 360 The whistle of the flute,..the ruffling of the little drum and the drones of the blows on the big one.
1984 H. F. Cohen Quantifying Music iv. 140 This action..on the eardrum is like the ruffling of a military drum, supposing that the soldier who operates the drumsticks were able to ruffle it with greatly increased agility.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2011; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
rufflingadj.1
/ˈrʌflɪŋ/, /ˈrʌfl̩ɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈrəf(ə)lɪŋ/ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > [adjective]
rankOE
peacockly?a1425
ruffling1531
garish1545
peacockish1551
peacock-like1576
ostentatious1590
fastuous?1591
flaring1593
flantitanting1596
ostentive1599
ostentative1601
showful1607
flourishable1614
flourishing1616
flaunting1624
ostentous1624
ostentatory1638
swasha1640
fanfaron1670
paradeful1748
ostensible1782
epideictic1790
fandangous1797
flashy1801
affiché1818
show-off1818
splashing1820
flaunty1825
splash-and-dash1830
pretentious1832
flash1836
splashy1836
pretenceful1841
swanky1842
peacocky1844
fantysheeny1847
splurgy1852
cheesy1858
pretensivea1868
duchessy1870
swagger1879
lavish1882
splurging1884
show-offy1890
razzmatazz1900
show-offish1903
whoop-de-do1904
Ritz1908
split-arse1917
swanking1918
ritzy1919
fantoosh1920
knock-me-down1922
showboating1936
showboat1939
hellzapoppin'1945
zazzy1961
glitzy1966
sploshy1966
zhuzhy1968
noncy1989
bling1999
the mind > emotion > pride > arrogance > [adjective] > specifically of conduct
arrogant1529
ruffling1531
1531 Bp. W. Barlow Dyaloge Lutheran Faccyons sig. P4 Yet lacke there now in Englond that wysh full hartely after suche a ruffelyng chaunge the more parte suche as hope to wyn and haue nothynge to lese.
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 414/2 The fashion is more ruffeling and in lesse moderacion and sobernesse, then were conuenient for mouing men to deuocion.
1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. II. iii. ii. sig. Cc/2 Lay downe thy pride, and forsake thy ruffling riot.
1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus i. 6 The ruffling, and roysting life of a number of our gallants, and lustie bloods.
1682 J. Bunyan Holy War 59 He therefore with big and ruffling words demanded of the Trumpeter who he was? View more context for this quotation
1723 H. Rowlands Mona Antiqua Restaurata 312 The Heneti..might arrive into Europe, and so come to Germany, Gaul, and Britain, even before the Ruffling Age began.
1826 W. Scott Woodstock I. viii. 213 That ruffling look of thine.
1870 W. Thornbury Tour Eng. II. xx. 52 There are still traces of the ruffling days of the brave Sir John.
2. Of a person: swaggering; given to ruffling (ruffle v.2 2a).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > arrogance > [adjective]
wlonkOE
moodyOE
rankOE
surquidous1377
insolentc1386
wantona1393
arrogantc1405
angardc1425
surquidrousc1430
stately1448
imperiala1456
superbious1509
succudrous1513
surquidant1528
ruffling1543
controlling1564
lustya1568
cocking1568
superbous1581
bog1592
swaggering1596
superarrogant1598
arrogating1601
pyrgopolinizing1605
high-handed1606
outbearing1607
high-horsed1613
dictatory1639
bardish1641
self-assuming1647
superbient1647
huffy1680
dictatorial1692
huffish1755
cobby1785
high-riding1831
braggadocious1853
snouty1858
you-be-damned1887
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > [adjective] > specifically of persons
jettingc1450
ruffling1543
strutting1577
ostentatious1658
flashy1693
parading1741
show-away1776
flash1785
slangy1850
peacocking1873
figuresome1884
fluttersome1895
posey1933
1543 T. Becon Invect. against Swearing f. lxxviii Theyre dutye is, not to be idle..not to playe the ruflyng galantes and to be entangled wyth worldely busynesses.
1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 21 With any of these swaggering captaines..or huftituftie youthfull ruffling comrades.
1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie 46 Temporall power claymed and violently carried by this ruffling Prelate.
a1652 A. Wilson Hist. Great Brit. (1653) 103 The Marquess..came to the Court in a full career, with a ruffling Retinue at his heels.
1706 N. Rowe Ulysses i. i The ruffling Train of Suiters are at hand.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge viii. 277 Sim Tappertit laid aside his cautious manner..assuming in its stead that of a ruffling, swaggering, roving blade.
1881 ‘J. Larwood’ Lond. Parks xiii. 272 The company..were a wild ruffling set.
1901 J. Davidson Self's the Man v. 207 His wife Married a ruffling knave who ruined her.
1962 R. Lattimore Sestina for far-off Summer iii. 74 The ruffling soldiers lounged and eyed the carcass of the lamb who died and speared the water from his side.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2011; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
rufflingadj.2
/ˈrʌflɪŋ/, /ˈrʌfl̩ɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈrəf(ə)lɪŋ/ 1. Forming, or rising in, ruffles.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > unevenness > [adjective] > rough > making or becoming rough > becoming ruffled
ruffling1566
1566 J. Studley tr. Seneca Medea f. 1 O God whose forked Mace dothe..cause the rufflyng surges couche amid the rampinge Seas.
1581 T. Nuce tr. Octavia (new ed.) i. ii, in T. Newton et al. tr. Seneca 10 Trag. f. 162v He..ruffling surging seas hath nothing dread.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iv. iii. 60 The Tailor staies thy leasure, To decke thy bodie with his ruffling treasure. View more context for this quotation
1682 N. O. tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Lutrin iii. 86 Out flies the broad-fac'd Chorister of the Night, And with her ruffling wings strikes out the Light.
a1718 T. Parnell Hermit (1751) 17 If a Stone the gentle Scene divide, Swift ruffling Circles curl on ev'ry side.
1797 J. O'Keeffe Wicklow Mountains i. ii. 9 I'll buy a pair of sleeve-buttons for my new ruffled shirt... Ruffling shirts for Felix!
1801 Monthly Mirror Apr. 121 He is frequently obliged..to conform his course..to the ruffling waves that swell against his sides.
1883 All Year Round 1 Apr. 373/2 With a low growl and ruffling mane, the beast charged.
1904 H. A. Beers Points at Issue 176 The Specularia has peculiar, ruffling leaves.
1994 N. Atherton Aunt Dimity & Duke xiii. 134 The water swirled and eddied, and ruffling waves seemed to break on an unseen shore.
2. Of the wind: producing or raising ruffles; making disordered, irregular, or uneven. Also in figurative contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > [adjective] > causing disorder
ruffling1566
perturbating1725
deranging1795
disrupting1849
dislocating1863
the world > space > shape > unevenness > [adjective] > rough > making or becoming rough > making ruffled
ruffling1566
1566 J. Studley tr. Seneca Agamemnon iii. sig. D.vii The ruflyng wynds range on the seas through euerye coast they flytt.
1606 S. Gardiner Bk. Angling 98 The water of a spacious and deepe Lake..by ruffling windes is moued and disquieted.
1697 Earl of Rochester et al. Familiar Lett. (ed. 2) I. 124 The same ruffling Tempest that tears up the common Weeds, blasts also the fragrant blushing Rose.
1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane v. i Thus Stars shine bright,..Tho' ruffling Winds deform this lower World.
1794 Scots Mag. Apr. 205/2 Upon the green wave gliding,..Each ruffling breeze deriding, The Tritons bear her shell.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Prince Athanase ii. ii, in Posthumous Poems (1824) 253 O'er the visage wan Of Athanase, a ruffling atmosphere Of dark emotion..ran.
1858 C. Kingsley Chalk-stream Stud. in Misc. (1860) I. 200 A ruffling south-west breeze.
1910 Fortn. Rev. Oct. 628 A faint and ruffling wind..fanned our foreheads hot with debate.
1992 B. Unsworth Sacred Hunger l. 561 Ruth had felt cold in the ruffling breeze from the sea.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of annoyance or vexation > [adjective] > annoying or vexatious
angeeOE
swinkfuleOE
plightlyOE
teenfulOE
contrariousc1320
drefa1325
troublinga1325
despitousa1340
thornya1340
discomfortablec1350
troublablec1374
noyousa1382
noyfulc1384
diseasy1387
angrya1393
painful1395
hackinga1400
annoying?c1400
annoyousc1400
cumbrousc1400
teenc1400
annoyfulc1405
sputousc1420
diseasefula1425
molest?a1425
noying?a1425
noisomea1450
grievingc1450
tedious?1454
troublous1463
noisantc1475
displeasant1481
strouble1488
nuisant1494
noyanta1500
irksome1513
sturting1513
molestious1524
vexatious1534
cumbersome1535
uncommodious1541
spiteful1548
vexing?1548
incommodious1551
molestous1555
diseasing1558
grating1563
pestilent1565
sturtsome1570
molestuousa1572
troublesome1573
murrain1575
discommodable1579
galling1583
spiny1586
unsupportable1586
troubleful1588
plaguey1594
distressingc1595
molestful1596
molesting1598
vexful1598
fretful1603
briery1604
bemadding1608
mortifying1611
tiry1611
distressfula1616
irking1629
angersome1649
disobliging1652
discomforting1654
incomfortable1655
incommode1672
ruffling1680
unconvenient1683
pestifying1716
trying1718
offending1726
bothering1765
pesky1775
weary1785
sturty1788
unaccommodating1790
tiresome1798
werriting1808
bothersome1817
plaguesome1828
pestilential1833
fretsome1834
languorous1834
pesty1834
pestersome1843
nettlesome1845
miserable1850
niggling1854
distempering1855
be-maddeninga1861
nattery1873
nagging1883
pestiferous1890
trouble-giving1893
maddening1896
molestive1905
nuisancy1906
balls-aching?1912
nuisance1922
nattering1949
noodgy1969
dickheaded1991
dickish1991
cockish1996
1680 J. Chamberlaine Sacred Poem 151 The lovely Maids of Sion, who would not Within their Breasts admit a ruffling thought.
?1710 Squire Bickerstaff Detected i. 5 I..prepare for Bed, in hopes of a little Repose after so many ruffling Adventures.
1746 J. Hervey Medit. (1818) 271 Soon a ruffling accident intervenes and turns our composure into a fretful disquietude.
1827 Cottager's Monthly Visitor Jan. 22 Let earthly cares aside be laid, Each ruffling thought be still.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2011; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.11440
n.21440
n.31701
adj.11531adj.21566