RUFFIANISM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does ruffianism mean? 

• RUFFIANISM (noun)
  The noun RUFFIANISM has 1 sense:

1. violent lawless behavior

  Familiarity information: RUFFIANISM used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RUFFIANISM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Violent lawless behavior

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("ruffianism" is a kind of...):

misbehavior; misbehaviour; misdeed (improper or wicked or immoral behavior)

 Context examples 

It was what he wanted to do—to bring out the innate ruffianism of this man he did not like.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Public opinion has gradually become opposed to it, for the reason that it came largely into the hands of rogues, and because it fostered ringside ruffianism.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)