North American species (Bonasa umbellus) of grouse, sometimes incorrectly called a partridge. Ruffed grouse live mainly on berries, fruits, seeds, and buds but also eat much animal food. They are 16-20 in. (40-50 cm) long and have feathered lower legs and a black band on the fan-shaped tail. The male's ruff consists of erectile black feathers on the sides of the neck. Males beat their wings rapidly against the air (called drumming) to proclaim their territory
A ruff is a stiff strip of cloth or other material with many small folds in it, which some people wore round their neck in former times. an Elizabethan ruff
The males during the breeding season have a large ruff of erectile feathers, variable in their colors, on the neck, and yellowish naked tubercles on the face
{i} fancy high and frilled collar (worn during the 16th and 17th centuries); (Zoology) ring of feathers or neck hair around the neck of a bird or mammal; type of sandpiper with elaborate ruff
wheel shaped plaited collar worn by both men and women Made of stiff, starched linen or muslin and trimmed with lace (starching was unknown in England until 1564) This same style and technique was also applied to smaller items worn at the wrists (cuff ruff)