RUFFLERS,
notorious Rogues, who, under Pretence of being maimed Soldiers or Seamen, implore the Charity of well disposed Persons, and fail not to watch Opportunities either to steal, break open Houses, or even commit Murder.
Rufflers in the 1811 Vulgar Tongue
Also see examples in Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes collected by John S. Farmer (1896).