scurf

• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)f

From Old English sceorf, from Proto-Germanic *skurf (“to gnaw”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut”). Compare German Schorf, Danish skurv, Swedish skorv.

scurf (countable and uncountable, plural scurfs)

1. A skin disease.
2. The flakes of skin that fall off as a result of a skin disease.
3. Any crust-like formations on the skin, or in general.
   • (Can we date this quote?) Milton

     There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top / Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire / Shone with a glossy scurf.

4. (figuratively) The foul remains of anything adherent.

   Synonym: scum

   • (Can we date this quote?) Dryden

     The scurf is worn away of each committed crime.

5. (botany) Minute membranous scales on the surface of some leaves, as in the goosefoot.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Gray to this entry?)

scurf (plural scurfs)

1. A grey bull trout.