ruff

Bird Philomachus pugnax of the sandpiper family Scolopacidae. The name is taken from the frill of erectile purple-black feathers developed in the breeding season around the neck of the male. The females (reeves) have no ruff; they lay four spotted green eggs in a nest of coarse grass made amongst reeds or rushes. The ruff is found across northern Europe and Asia, and migrates south in winter. It is a casual migrant throughout North America.

ruff

Circular pleated or fluted collar of folded lawn or muslin worn by men and women in the 16th and 17th centuries. Before the introduction of starch in the 16th century, wires were used to support the folds.