ruddle

1 of 2

noun

rud·​dle ˈrə-dᵊl 

: red ocher

ruddle

2 of 2

verb

ruddled; ruddling ˈrəd-liŋ 

ˈrə-dᵊl-iŋ

transitive verb

: to color with or as if with red ocher : redden

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rodel, from rud, rude, rode "red color, redness" (going back to Old English rudu) + -le, noun suffix, perhaps here instrumental — more at ruddy

Verb

derivative of ruddle entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1538, in the meaning defined above