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Webster 1913 Edition

Bluff

Bluff

,
Adj.
[Cf. OD.
blaf
flat, broad,
blaffaert
one with a broad face, also, a boaster; or G.
verblüffen
to confuse, LG.
bluffen
to frighten; to unknown origin.]
1.
Having a broad, flattened front;
as, the
bluff
bows of a ship
.
“Bluff visages.”
Irving.
2.
Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front.
“A bluff or bold shore.”
Falconer.
Its banks, if not really steep, had a
bluff
and precipitous aspect.
Judd.
3.
Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.
4.
Abrupt; roughly frank; unceremonious; blunt; brusque;
as, a
bluff
answer; a
bluff
manner of talking; a
bluff
sea captain
.
“Bluff King Hal.”
Sir W. Scott.
There is indeed a
bluff
pertinacity which is a proper defense in a moment of surprise.
I. Taylor.

Bluff

,
Noun.
1.
A high, steep bank, as by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.
Beach,
bluff
, and wave, adieu.
Whittier.
2.
An act of bluffing; an expression of self-confidence for the purpose of intimidation; braggadocio;
as, that is only
bluff
, or a
bluff
.
3.
A game at cards; poker.
[U.S.]
Bartlett.

Bluff

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Bluffed
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Bluffing
.]
1.
(Poker)
To deter (an opponent) from taking the risk of betting on his hand of cards, as the bluffer does by betting heavily on his own hand although it may be of less value.
[U. S.]
2.
To frighten or deter from accomplishing a purpose by making a show of confidence in one’s strength or resources;
as, he
bluffed
me off
.
[Colloq.]

Bluff

,
Verb.
I.
To act as in the game of bluff.

Webster 1828 Edition

Bluff

BLUFF

,
Adj.
[Eng.leap, from shooting forward.]surly; blustering.

BLUFF

,
Noun.
A high bank, almost perpendicular, projecting into the sea; a high bank presenting a steep front.

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