ruffle

 
Pronunciation: /ˈrʌf(ə)l/

verb

[with object]
  • 1disorder or disarrange (someone’s hair), typically by running one’s hands through it: he ruffled her hair affectionately
  • (of a bird) erect (its feathers) in anger or display: they warbled incessantly, their throat feathers ruffled
  • disturb the smoothness or tranquillity of: the evening breeze ruffled the surface of the pond in the yard
  • disconcert or upset the composure of (someone): Lancaster had been ruffled by her questions
  • 2 (usually as adjective ruffled) ornament with or gather into a frill: a blouse with a high ruffled neck

noun

  • 1an ornamental gathered or goffered frill of lace or other cloth on a garment, especially around the wrist or neck.
  • 2a vibrating drum beat.

Phrases

ruffle someone's feathers

cause someone to become annoyed or upset: his sudden rise ruffled the feathers of the old guard tampering with the traditional approach would ruffle a few feathers

smooth someone's ruffled feathers

make someone less angry or irritated by using soothing words: twenty minutes later, after a diplomatic phone call, she had succeeded in smoothing Henri’s ruffled feathers

Origin:

Middle English (as a verb): of unknown origin. Current noun senses date from the late 17th century