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ruf·fle²

(rŭfəl)

A low continuous beating of a drum that is not as loud as a roll. Also called ruff⁴.

tr.v. ruf·fled, ruf·fling, ruf·fles

To beat a ruffle on (a drum).

[Probably from frequentative of RUFF⁴.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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