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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Gruff \Gruff\ (gr[u^]f), adjective [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}, adverb -- {Gruff"ness}, noun
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
gruffly
adverb: in a gruff manner; "'No,' he replied gruffly"
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