scourings

American  

[skouuhr-ingz, skou-er-] / ˈskaʊər ɪŋz, ˈskaʊ ər- /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. dirt or refuse removed by scouring.

2. refuse removed from grain.

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scourings British  

/ ˈskaʊərɪŋz /

plural noun

1. the residue left after cleaning grain

2. residue that remains after scouring

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Etymology

Origin of scourings

First recorded in 1580–90; see origin at scour ¹, -ing ¹, -s ³

Example Sentences

Ship's cheese came adulterated with kitchen scourings, rancid fat and glue.

From Time Magazine Archive

But when they had scoured the waterfront boardinghouses, Prince shook his head over their scourings.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

It is not, therefore, as though great age were such a catch that it should demand all these delicate manipulations of diet, sleep, rest-cures, health-resorts, scourings, and temperatures, for its attainment.

From Essays in Rebellion by Nevinson, Henry W.

Ever since the crests of the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains were thrust up above the sea, the river has been wearing them away, and bearing the scourings to the vast plain below.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 810, July 11, 1891 by Various

And when he finds himself actually free, his joy expends itself in bounds, in pirouettes, and in scourings hither and thither at the top of his speed.

From Essays on Education and Kindred Subjects Everyman's Library by Spencer, Herbert

Related Words

• debris
• droppings
• junk
• litter
• residue
• rubbish
• rubble
• sediment
• waste