ruffian RUHF-ee-uhn noun WS #36

a violent person, especially one involved in crime; a brutal or lawless person; a thug or hoodlum; someone who uses physical force to intimidate others

1. Despite his intimidating appearance, the supposed ruffian turned out to be surprisingly gentle and kind-hearted.
2. The medieval town was plagued by ruffians who robbed travelers on the roads leading to the market.
3. The ruffian's reputation for violence made even the bravest citizens avoid walking alone at night.
4. The ruffian threatened the shopkeeper and demanded money from the cash register during the robbery.
5. Police arrested the ruffian who had been terrorizing residents in the downtown neighborhood for weeks.