To ruffle the feathers of, to exite the resentment of; to irritate.
Ruf"fle (?), v. i. [Perhaps of different origin from ruffle to wrinkle;
cf. OD. roffeln, roffen, to pander, LG. raffein, Dan. ruffer a pimp.
Cf. Rufflan.] 1. To grow rough, boisterous, or turbulent. [R.]
The night comes on, and the bleak winds Do sorely ruffle.
Shak.