rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryruffNeck feathers or fur
noun

ruff

RUF/rʌf/

A projecting collarlike ring around the neck.

The stiff white ruff forms a gathered ring around the dress form's neck.

An isolated museum-style dress form wearing a prominent white linen ruff, with stiff, densely gathered folds encircling the neck above a plain dark period bodice.
Etymology
ruffEnglishgathered ornamental frill

Ruff is probably a shortened form of ruffle, an ornamental frill gathered into folds. The name originally applied to sleeve frills before being used for the stiff, gathered collar.

In context

Weird History8:04
ruffs that were open in the front. This modification essentially meant that the ruff would now frame a woman's entire head while still giving her room to bend her neck forward.
Why Elizabethan Collars Were Such a Big Fashion Statement

More examples

  • The bird raises its ruff of feathers during courtship.
  • The actor wears a stiff white ruff around her neck.
  • The shorebird called a ruff develops an elaborate feather collar.

Forms

ruff · ruffs

ruffed adjective — Having a feathered or furry neck ring

Similar words

frill
A projecting or gathered border, not necessarily around the neck.
mane
Long neck hair, not necessarily forming a collarlike ring.
collar
A neck band that need not project or have pleats.