Rufflers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of device, often decorative, that creates frills or pleats in fabric
2. Referring to a garment or accessory characterized by ruffles, contributing to a stylish appearance
3. Describing elements that modify or embellish surfaces, adding an ornamental touch through gathered fabric

Etymology: "Rufflers" is the plural of "ruffler," a noun formed by adding the suffix "-er" to "ruffle." The base verb "ruffle" is the older word, and the suffix "-er" was productive in English for forming nouns that name a person or thing that does something, so "ruffler" follows that common pattern. The sense of "ruffle" that gives rise to the decorative fabric frill is closely tied to the idea of gathering or crimping cloth into folds. Taken together, the base word and suffix explain the form: a "ruffler" is, in essence, the thing that makes or bears ruffles, and the plural "rufflers" simply refers to several such frills or pieces of trim.

Synonyms: disturbers, troublers