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
Words nearby scruff
scrubby,
scrubdown,
scrubland,
scrubs,
scrubwoman,
scruff,
scruffy,
scrum,
scrum half,
scrummage,
scrummie
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)