ruffianism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As attacks on the rule of law become more frequent and intense, the public has rekindled its often dormant affection for public-interest lawyers — endearingly unglamorous defenders of principle over politics, of rules over ruffianism.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2020

Its ruffianism has no social function; it satisfies itself.

From The Guardian • Oct. 5, 2012

His cast is superb�Bosco's polished diabolism as Undershaft, Kennedy's valiantly wounded purity as Barbara, Jon De Vries' scruffily belligerent ruffianism as one of the undeserving poor.

From Time Magazine Archive

A scrubby beard covered his face to the cheekbones, giving him an air of ruffianism that went oddly with his large weak frame and nervous movements.

From "1984" by George Orwell

She looked on him and his companion with amazement mingled with something of fear, for the aspects of both were expressive of low ruffianism.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 1, No. 4, September, 1850 by Various