As once worn by roughs, we hear? (5)
I believe the answer is:
ruffs
'as once worn by' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'roughs we hear?' is the wordplay.
'we hear?' shows a homophone (sound like).
'roughs' sounds like 'RUFFS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ruffs that I've seen before include "Elizabethan collars" , "Neck frills" , "More than one frill" , "changes suit for one's benefit" .)