scruff

1
[ skruhf ]
/ skrʌf /

noun

the nape or back of the neck.

Origin of scruff

1
1780–90; variant of dial. scuff, scuft < Dutch schoft horse's withers

Definition for scruff (2 of 2)

scruff 2
[ skruhf ]
/ skrʌf /

noun Metallurgy.

(in tin-plating) dross formed in the bath.

Origin of scruff

2
metathetic variant of scurf

Example sentences from the Web for scruff

British Dictionary definitions for scruff (1 of 2)

scruff 1
/ (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)

scruff 2
/ (skrʌf) /

noun

informal an untidy scruffy person
informal a disreputable person, ruffian
another name for scum (def. 3)