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1551 J. Bale Actes Eng. Votaryes: 2nd Pt. f. xxv^v Vnmete was he rekened to be a byshopp in those dayes, that could not ruffle it out with all pompouse aparel, horses, galaunt seruauntes, [etc.].

1560 Bp. J. Pilkington Aggeus the Prophete (new issue) sig. X.iiii^v It becometh a Gentleman to make merye and ruffle it.

1596 T. Nashe Haue with you to Saffron-Walden sig. L4^v Gabriell..came ruffling it out huffty tuffty in his suite of veluet.

1650 J. Trapp Clavis to Bible (Gen. xlvi. 32) 356 Chusing rather a poor shepherds life in Gods service, then to ruffle it, as Courtiers.

a1659 R. Brownrig 25 Serm. (1664) II. 169 As if the Ninevites should have enjoyned Fasting and Sackcloth to their Beasts and Cattel; and Themselves ruffled it in mirth and jollity.

1673 R. Allestree Ladies Calling ii. ii. §52 But however they may ruffle it out with men, it will one day arraign them before God.

1759 W. Dell in T. Hartley Disc. on Mistakes Conc. Relig. 167 Where the Wit, and Wisdom, and Parts, and Learning, and Accomplishments of Men, have ruffled it, and reigned hitherto.

1853 J. G. Baldwin Flush Times Alabama & Mississippi 85 Larceny grew not only respectable, but genteel, and ruffled it in all the pomp of purple and fine linen.

1883 Fortn. Rev. Sept. 352 The insatiable desire of a number of ambitious people..to clamber up to the topmost platform, and there ruffle it out with the best.

1917 ‘O. Douglas’ Setons x. 157 Father is on the Sabbath Observance Committee, and it wouldn't look well if his daughter ruffled it on Sabbath-breaking cars.

1955 Times 22 July 4/4 The Sporting efforts of the Royal Artillery,..ruffling it with the best of the professional talent of the Country.