scruff
1[ skruhf ]
/ skrʌf /
noun
the nape or back of the neck.
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Origin of scruff
11780–90; variant of dial. scuff, scuft<Dutch schoft horse's withers
Words nearby scruff
scrub suit, scrub turkey, scrub typhus, scrub-up, scrubwoman, scruff, scruffy, scrum, scrum half, scrummage, scrummie
Definition for scruff (2 of 2)
scruff2
[ skruhf ]
/ skrʌf /
noun Metallurgy.
(in tin-plating) dross formed in the bath.
Origin of scruff
2Metathetic variant of scurf
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for scruff
British Dictionary definitions for scruff (1 of 2)
scruff1
/ (skrʌf) /
noun
the nape of the neck (esp in the phrase by the scruff of the neck)
Word Origin for scruff
C18: variant of scuft, perhaps from Old Norse skoft hair; related to Old High German scuft
British Dictionary definitions for scruff (2 of 2)
scruff2
/ (skrʌf) /
noun
informal an untidy scruffy person
informal a disreputable person, ruffian
another name for scum (def. 3)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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