[Immediately related to BLUFF sb.2 ‘a blinker for a horse,’ which, as it appears later than the verb, was presumably named from it, though the reverse is also possible. The etymology is quite unknown: the meaning ‘blindfold, hoodwink’ does not appear to have any possible connection with BLUFF a. or sb.1; the word is probably one of the numerous cant terms (see BAM, BAMBOOZLE) which arose between the Restoration and the reign of Queen Anne. Sense 2 had certainly originally the same meaning; but it looks as if recent users imagined a connection with BLUFF a. or sb.1, and made it mean ‘to blindfold or hoodwink by assuming a fictitious bold front.’]
1. trans. ‘To blind-fold or hood-wink.’ Bailey.
1674–91. Ray, N. C. Wds., Bluff, to blind-fold.
1706. in Phillips.
1721. in Bailey: [so in all edd. to 1800. Not in Johnson, nor in Ash.]
1881. Evans, Leicestersh. Gloss. (E. D. S.), s.v. Bluft, ‘Ah’m glad yew’n got that theer bull o’ yourn blufted.’
2. In the game of poker: To impose upon (an opponent) as to the value of one’s hand of cards, by betting heavily upon it, speaking or gesticulating or otherwise acting in such a way as to make believe that it is stronger than it is, so as to induce him to ‘throw up’ his cards and lose his stake, rather than run the risk of betting against the bluffer. (Of U.S. origin.) Hence, transf. of other wagering, political tactics, international diplomacy, etc. To bluff off: to frighten off or deter (an opponent) by thus imposing upon him as to one’s resources and determination.
1864. Sala, in Daily Tel., 29 Sept., 5/5. How can you hope to ‘bluff’ those who are such consummate masters of the game of brag?
1871. Daily News, 4 Jan., 6/4. The great point of the German task is its result, is the shutting in of Paris, and the ‘bluffing off’ of France.
1885. N. York Weekly Sun, 13 May, 2/7. He went his whole heart, soul, and pocket on three aces and was bluffed by his opponent with a pair of trays.
3. intr. To practise or attempt the imposition described in 2; to assume a bold, big or boastful demeanor, in order to inspire an opponent with an exaggerated notion of one’s strength, determination to fight, etc.
1882. Sat. Rev., 1 July, 4. Nor is a Government always to be reproached because when it bluffs it fails. Sometimes a great country is entitled to take the benefit of ancient policy of courage, and to see what effect it can produce by the mere terror of its name.
1883. R. A. Proctor, in Longm. Mag., Sept., 498. By sheer bluffing—in other words, by lying—he shall cause such an idea to be formed of his hand, that everyone else at the table will throw up his cards.
1884. St. James’s Gaz., 12 Jan., 4/1. There seems little reason for one party to keep on ‘bluffing’ when the other party has ‘called.’
Hence Bluffable a., capable of being imposed upon or influenced by bluffing.
1885. Sat. Rev., 30 May, 705/2. The whole thing is, in short, a game of bluff against a player who is known to be bluffable.
