Gruff a. [Compar. Gruffer superl. Gruffest.] Of a rough or stern manner, voice, or countenance; sour; surly; severe; harsh.
Gruff, disagreeable, sarcastic remarks. --Thackeray.
-- Gruff*ly, adv. -- Gruff*ness, n.
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gruffness
n 1: a throaty harshness [syn: hoarseness, huskiness]
2: an abrupt discourteous manner [syn: abruptness, brusqueness,
curtness, shortness]