What does ruffing mean?
Ruffing is an old-fashioned noun for a ruffled collar or decorative neckpiece, especially the elaborate frills associated with sixteenth- and seventeenth-century European dress. Such collars were made from linen or lace and might be starched, wired, or supported to hold a rigid shape around the neck. The word can describe either the finished collar or material used to form it, particularly in descriptions of historical garments, portraits, theatre, and costume design. Today it is mainly historical rather than everyday vocabulary, but it is useful when discussing the distinctive silhouettes of Renaissance and early modern fashion. In that context, ruffing helps distinguish a stiff, constructed neckpiece from a softer gathered or pleated collar and evokes the conspicuous elegance and social formality associated with period dress.
nounAn archaic term for a ruffled collar or neckpiece, especially one of the stiff, pleated collars fashionable in European dress during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
- A ruffled collar, neckpiece, or ornamental frill worn around the neck, especially in historical costume.
"The portrait depicts a nobleman wearing elaborate silver ruffing around his neck."
"The actor's costume included richly embroidered ruffing and a dark velvet doublet."
"Careful restoration was needed to preserve the delicate lace ruffing in the seventeenth-century portrait."
Usually countable when referring to separate collars, garments, or examples of decorative neckpieces.
"The museum preserves several Elizabethan ruffings made of starched linen and lace."
A stiff ring of lace or linen framing the face was a conspicuous sign of status in Renaissance Europe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ruffing come from?
The word developed from Middle English ruff, a term for a pleated or frilled collar. It was borrowed through Middle English from Old French ruffel, a word for a collar or ruff; the ultimate origin of that French term is uncertain. English also developed ruffle in the same general lexical tradition, reflecting the historical association between ruffling fabric and forming decorative frills.
How ruffing is actually used
Archaic and chiefly encountered in historical, costume, or antiquarian contexts. It is not normally used for contemporary clothing.