Gruff (?), a.
[Compar. Gruffer (?);
superl. Gruffest.] [D. grof; akin to
G. grob, OHG. gerob, grob, Dan. grov, Sw.
grof, perh. akin to AS. rcófan to break, Z.
reavc, rupture, g- standing for the AS. prefix ge-
, Goth. ga-.] Of a rough or stern manner, voice, or
countenance; sour; surly; severe; harsh. Addison.
Gruff, disagreeable, sarcastic
remarks.
Thackeray.
-- Gruff"ly, adv. --
Gruff"ness, n.