General
ruffler
What does ruffler mean?
By extension, a bullying, swaggering rogue — one who rs alms by intimidation on the open road.
"A ruffler on a lonely lane was as much robber as beggar."
Origin
Described by Thomas Harman (1566) as second in rank among the orders of vagabonds, typically a discharged or pretended soldier. The word relates to 'ruffle' — to swagger or bluster.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ruffler in thieves' cant?
A swaggering beggar who posed as a maimed ex-soldier to extort alms, ranked just below the upright man in Harman's 1566 account.
Was a ruffler dangerous?
Yes — rufflers begged by menace and on lonely roads were as likely to rob as to plead.
Where does the word come from?
From Harman (1566); it relates to 'ruffle', meaning to swagger or bluster.
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