The Collaborative International Dictionary
Gruff \Gruff\ (gr[u^]f), a. [Compar. Gruffer (gr[u^]f"[~e]r);
superl. Gruffest.] [D. grof; akin to G. grob, OHG. gerob,
grob, Dan. grov, Sw. grof, perh. akin to AS. rc['o]fan to
break, Z. reavc, rupture, g- standing for the AS. prefix ge-,
Goth. ga-.]
Of a rough or stern manner, voice, or countenance; sour;
surly; severe; harsh.
--Addison.
Gruff, disagreeable, sarcastic remarks.
--Thackeray.
-- Gruff"ly, adv. -- Gruff"ness, n.
Wiktionary
a. (en-comparative of: gruff)
Usage examples of "gruffer".
But then Awb replied, in a gruffer and lower voice than when addressing the crowd.
Betty could see he was getting angrier and angrier, gruffer and grimmer and darker about the eyes.
The gruff voice was gruffer than ever, as the old gentleman said abruptly, after the dreadful pause, “So you’re not afraid of me, hey?
Laurence’s gruff voice sounded gruffer than ever, as Jo tapped at his door.
As each retort became gruffer, and its consequential rebuttal more to the point, she felt Janet tremble.