Gruff (?), a. [Compar. Gruffer (); superl. Gruffest.] [D. grof; akin to G. grob, OHG. gerob, grob, Dan. grov, Sw. grof, perh. akin to AS. rcofan 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.
© Webster 1913.