ruffle

ruffle n

Origin obscure, perhaps imitative.

1. Drum roll; snare sound; trilling beat; military band sound; [fig.] mark of respect.

ruffle [-s] v

Origin obscure, similar to Late Ger. ruffelenk, to crumple and ON hrufla, to scratch.

1. Discompose; disturb; agitate; threaten to end a calm state of mind; [word play] cover with lacy white edges.