scarves

[ skahrvz ]
/ skɑrvz /

noun

a plural of scarf1.

Words nearby scarves

Definition for scarves (2 of 3)

scarf 1
[ skahrf ]
/ skɑrf /

noun, plural scarfs, scarves [skahrvz] /skɑrvz/.

a long, broad strip of wool, silk, lace, or other material worn about the neck, shoulders, or head, for ornament or protection against cold, drafts, etc.; muffler.
a necktie or cravat with hanging ends.
a long cover or ornamental cloth for a bureau, table, etc.

verb (used with object)

to cover or wrap with or as if with a scarf.
to use in the manner of a scarf.

Origin of scarf

1
First recorded in 1545–55; perhaps special use of scarf2

OTHER WORDS FROM scarf

scarf·less, adjective scarf·like, adjective

Definition for scarves (3 of 3)

scarf 2
[ skahrf ]
/ skɑrf /

noun, plural scarfs.

a tapered or otherwise-formed end on each of the pieces to be assembled with a scarf joint.
Whaling. a strip of skin along the body of the whale.

verb (used with object)

to assemble with a scarf joint.
to form a scarf on (the end of a timber).
Steelmaking. to burn away the surface defects of (newly rolled steel).
Whaling. to make a groove in and remove (the blubber and skin).
Also scarph (for defs 1, 3, 4).

Origin of scarf

2
1490–1500; < Old Norse skarfr (derivative of skera to cut) end cut from a beam (hence perhaps a piece of cloth cut off, i.e., scarf1); compare Swedish skarv patch

OTHER WORDS FROM scarf

scarf·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for scarves

British Dictionary definitions for scarves (1 of 3)

scarves
/ (skɑːvz) /

noun

a plural of scarf 1

British Dictionary definitions for scarves (2 of 3)

scarf 1
/ (skɑːf) /

noun plural scarves (skɑːvz) or scarfs

a rectangular, triangular, or long narrow piece of cloth worn around the head, neck, or shoulders for warmth or decoration

verb (tr) rare

to wrap with or as if with a scarf
to use as or in the manner of a scarf

Word Origin for scarf

C16: of uncertain origin; compare Old Norman French escarpe, Medieval Latin scrippum pilgrim's pack; see scrip ²

British Dictionary definitions for scarves (3 of 3)

scarf 2
/ (skɑːf) /

noun plural scarfs

Also called: scarf joint, scarfed joint a lapped joint between two pieces of timber made by notching or grooving the ends and strapping, bolting, or gluing the two pieces together
the end of a piece of timber shaped to form such a joint
NZ a wedge-shaped cut made in a tree before felling, to determine the direction of the fall
whaling an incision made along a whale's body before stripping off the blubber

verb (tr)

Word Origin for scarf

C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Norwegian skarv, Swedish skarf, Low German, Dutch scherf scarf 1