Ruffed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🦆
ruffed
[rÊŒft ]
Definitions
animal description
Ruffed refers to having a ruff, which is a circular band of fur, feathers, or skin around the neck area of an animal. It is commonly used to describe certain bird species, particularly the ruffed grouse, which has distinctive neck feathers.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The ruffed grouse is known for its impressive display during mating season.
- The ruffed lemur has a striking appearance with its black and white fur.
- In winter, the ruffed duck can be seen with a fluffy ruff around its neck.
card game
To ruff is a verb used in card games, particularly in bridge and whist, referring to the act of playing a trump card to win a trick when one doesn't have a card of the suit led. It is an essential tactic for gaining advantage in these games.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She ruffed the trick to win despite not having any hearts.
- He decided to ruff rather than cut.
- In the final hand, she ruffed to secure victory.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Wildlife
- In the context of birds, ruffed often refers to the ruffed grouse, known for its distinctive neck feathers that poof out during mating displays.
- Some birds use their ruffed feathers to attract partners by showing off their size and color during rituals.
- Ruffed grouse can easily camouflage themselves among fallen leaves, blending in with their surroundings thanks to their coloring.
Cultural Significance
- In fashion history, ruffs were elaborate neck pieces worn during the Renaissance, showing status and style.
- Ruffed collars made a comeback in modern fashion as a quirky trend, often seen in high-fashion clothing lines, symbolizing creativity.
- The ruffled treatment in clothing often signifies whimsy and elegance, frequently found in formal attire and wedding dresses.
Natural Adaptations
- Ruffed animals like the ruffed grouse exhibit unique behaviors during mating season, using their feathers to display courtship.
- The ruff around certain species can also serve as a form of protection, helping them blend into their natural habitat.
- Animals that display ruffed features often have distinct calls or behaviors that complement their appearance.
Art and Literature
- Artists often depict ruffed animals in works to symbolize grace and beauty within the natural world.
- In literature, characters with 'ruffed' descriptions may represent elegance, hierarchy, or have noble traits.
- Ruffed collars appear in various artistic movements, showcasing the crossover between natural beauty and human adornment.
Origin of 'ruffed'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ruffed' comes from the Middle English term 'ruffe', which refers to a collar or frill.
- The use of 'ruffed' in relation to birds typically describes the feathered frills that make some species special.
- In literature, 'ruffed' has been used to describe both fashion elements and more natural adornments, showing versatility in its meaning.
The term 'ruffed' derived from the Old English word 'ruffa,' which means a collar or frill. It has its roots in the Germanic languages, reflecting the nature of certain animals that possess a frill or ruff around their neck. The usage of 'ruff' as a verb comes from the 16th century, originally denoting the act of forming a ruffle or fold, later adapted into card playing terminology. Over the years, both meanings have evolved but remained connected to the idea of a standout feature, whether in nature or in competitive games. In hunting and nature discussions, 'ruffed' continues to describe species known for their distinctive neck features.