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gruff

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gruff

Main Entry:: ¹gruff
Pronunciation:: \ˈgrəf\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Dutch grof; akin to Old High German grob coarse, hruf scurf — more at dandruff
Date:: 1691

1 : rough, brusque, or stern in manner, speech, or aspect <a gruff reply> 2 : being deep and harsh : hoarse <a gruff voice>

synonyms see bluff

— gruff·ly adverb

— gruff·ness noun

Learn more about "gruff" and related topics at Britannica.com

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