gruffness

A mask of gruffness is as characteristic of a Scotchman as is a/[Page lxvi]/veneer of politeness of a Frenchman.

New Letters and Memorials of Jane Welsh Carlyle 1893

Sachs sometimes thought that his gruffness was a means to shelter himself from the emotional dangers of police work.

More Twisted Stories Vol II Deaver, Jeffery 2006

But the gruffness was a bit tremulous and there were tears in the man's voice.

Dick in the Everglades A. W. Dimock

Perhaps the captain missed the companionship of the stout lady he had parted from at Charing Cross, or it might be that his gruffness was a matter of habit -- at any rate, after a puff or two, he spoke to Royson again.

The Wheel O' Fortune Louis Tracy 1895

"Get away, daughter," he grumbled, with that shade of gruffness which is but the transition to absolute surrender.

Ilka on the Hill-Top and Other Stories Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen 1871

I will be watching closing to Trembley when Liz is pulled early. re: Matt Wieters "gruffness" ....

Blog updates 2008

He doesn't ask about my parents, and aside from his usual layer of gruffness, Grandpa Phil seems content in 24-hour care facility where we dropped him off five years ago, at peace among the adult diapers and shuffle boards.

Monkeytown excerpt 2 Chris Vola 2011

Nor did his possession of twenty increasing millions hint the slightest betrayal in his voice or mitigate in the slightest the gruffness of his grunt.

CHAPTER IV 2010

(On this gruffness, Brooks waxes: "He's managed to preserve the patois of Chicago, the earthy freneticism of his Augie March upbringing.")

John Wellington Ennis: How Rahm Bombed John Wellington Ennis 2010

He sounded desperate — plaintive even — beneath the gruffness . . . something I'd never heard before.

Portland Music Listener [Card #5: The Heirophant] (WORK-IN-PROGRESS) Christopher Snyder 2011