Chapter IV: Front Matter (4)

SCHORL, shorl, _n._ black tourmaline--also SHORL.--_adjs._ SCHORL[=A]'CEOUS, SCHOR'LOUS, SCHOR'LY. [Ger. _schörl_, prob. from Sw. _skör_, brittle.]

SCHOTTISCHE, sho-t[=e]sh', _n._ a dance resembling a polka, danced by a couple: music adapted for the dance.--Also SCHOTTISH'. [Ger., 'Scottish.']

SCHOUT, skout, _n._ a municipal officer in the North American Dutch colonies. [Dut.]

SCHRANKIA, shrang'ki-a, _n._ a genus of leguminous plants, whose six species are all American--including the _sensitive-briar_. [Named from the German naturalist F. von Paula _Schrank_ (1747-1835).]

SCHUCHIN, skuch'in, _n._ an obsolete form of _escutcheon_.

SCHWEINITZIA, shw[=i]-nit'zi-a, _n._ a genus of gamopetalous plants of the Indian-pipe family, including the sweet pine-sap or Carolina beech-drops. [The Amer. botanist L. D. von _Schweinitz_ (1780-1834).]

SCHWENKFELDER, shwengk'fel-d[.e]r, _n._ a member of a religious sect, founded by Caspar von _Schwenkfeld_ (1490-1561), still found in Pennsylvania.--Also SCHWENK'FELDIAN.

SCIADIACEÆ, s[=i]-ad-i-[=a]'s[=e]-[=e], _n._ a family of fresh-water algæ, its typical genus _Sciadium_.

SCIAGRAPHY, s[=i]-ag'ra-fi, _n._ the art of casting and delineating shadows as they fall in nature: (_archit._) the vertical section of a building to show its interior structure: the art of dialling.--_ns._ SC[=I]'AGRAPH; SC[=I]AG'RAPHER.--_adjs._ SC[=I]AGRAPH'IC, -AL.--_adv._ SC[=I]AGRAPH'ICALLY. [Gr. _skiagraphia_--_skia_, a shadow, _graphein_, to write.]

SCIAMACHY, s[=i]-am'a-ki, _n._ Same as SCIOMACHY.

SCIAMETRY, s[=i]-am'e-tri, _n._ the doctrine of eclipses. [Gr. _skia_, shadow, _metrein_, to measure.]

SCIARA, s[=i]'a-ra, _n._ a genus of gnats or midges. [Gr. _skiaros_, shady--_skia_, a shadow.]

SCIATH, s[=i]'ath, _n._ an oblong shield of wicker-work formerly used in Ireland. [Ir. _sciath_.]

SCIATHERIC, -AL, s[=i]-a-ther'ik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to a sundial. [Gr. _skiath[=e]ron_--_skia_, shadow, _theran_, catch.]

SCIATICA, s[=i]-at'i-ka, _n._ a neuralgic affection of the great sciatic nerve.--_adjs._ SCIAT'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or affecting, the hip, ischiac.--_adv._ SCIAT'ICALLY. [Low L. _sciatica_--Gr. _ischion_.]

SCIENCE, s[=i]'ens, _n._ knowledge systematised: truth ascertained: pursuit of knowledge or truth for its own sake: knowledge arranged under general truths and principles: that which refers to abstract principles, as distinguished from 'art:' pre-eminent skill: trade: a department of knowledge.--_n._ SCIB'ILE, something capable of being known.--_adjs._ SC[=I]'ENCED, versed, learned; SC[=I]'ENT, knowing; SCIEN'TIAL (_Milt._), producing science: skilful; SCIENTIF'IC, -AL (_obs._), producing or containing science: according to, or versed in, science: used in science: systematic: accurate.--_adv._ SCIENTIF'ICALLY.--_ns._ SC[=I]'ENTISM, the view of scientists; SC[=I]'ENTIST, one who studies science, esp. natural science.--_adjs._ SCIENTIS'TIC.--_adv._ SC[=I]'ENTLY, knowingly.--_n._ SCIENT'OLISM, false science, superficial knowledge.--SCIENTIFIC FRONTIER, a term used by Lord Beaconsfield in 1878 in speaking of the rectification of the boundaries between India and Afghanistan, meaning a frontier capable of being occupied and defended according to the requirements of the science of strategy, in opposition to 'a hap-hazard frontier.'--ABSOLUTE SCIENCE, knowledge of things in themselves; APPLIED SCIENCE, when its laws are exemplified in dealing with concrete phenomena; DISMAL SCIENCE, political economy; GAY SCIENCE, a medieval name for belles-lettres and poetry generally, esp. amatory poetry; INDUCTIVE SCIENCE (see INDUCT); LIBERAL SCIENCE, a science cultivated from love of knowledge, without view to profit; MENTAL SCIENCE, mental philosophy, psychology; MORAL SCIENCE, ethics, the science of right and wrong, moral responsibility; OCCULT SCIENCE, a name applied to the physical sciences of the middle ages, also to magic, sorcery, witchcraft, &c.; SANITARY SCIENCE (see SANITARY); THE EXACT SCIENCES, the mathematical sciences; THE SCIENCE, the art of boxing; THE SEVEN LIBERAL SCIENCES, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, music, geometry, and astronomy--these were the seven TERRESTRIAL SCIENCES, as opposed to the seven CELESTIAL SCIENCES, civil law, Christian law, practical theology, devotional theology, dogmatic theology, mystic theology, and polemical theology. [Fr.,--L. _scientia_--_sciens_, _-entis_, pr.p. of _sc[=i]re_, to know.]

SCIL, an abbreviation of _scilicet_.

SCILICET, sil'i-set, _adv._ to wit, namely, videlicet.

SCILLA, sil'a, _n._ a genus of liliaceous plants, as the squill. [L.,--Gr. _skilla_, a sea-onion.]

SCILLOCEPHALUS, sil-[=o]-sef'a-lus, _n._ a person with a conical cranium.--_adjs._ SCILLOCEPH'ALOUS. [Gr. _skilla_, a squill, _kephal[=e]_, a head.]

SCIMITAR, sim'i-tar, _n._ a short, single-edged curved sword, broadest at the point end, used by the Turks and Persians.--_n._ SCIM'ITAR-POD, a strong, shrubby climber of the tropics. [O. Fr. _cimeterre_--Old It. _cimitara_--Turk.,--Pers. _shimsh[=i]r_ (perh. 'lion's claw,' _sham_, a claw, _sh[=i]r_, _sher_, a lion); or perh. through Sp. _cimitarra_, from Basque _cimeterra_, something 'with a fine edge.']

SCINCOID, sing'koid, _n._ one of a family of saurian reptiles, the typical genus of which is the SCIN'CUS or skink.--_adjs._ like a skink. [L. _scincus_--Gr. _skingkos_, a kind of lizard, _eidos_, form.]

SCINDAPSUS, sin-dap'sus, _n._ a genus of climbing plants.

SCINTILLA, sin-til'a, _n._ a spark: a glimmer: the least particle: a trace: a genus of bivalve molluscs: a genus of lepidopterous insects.--_adjs._ SCIN'TILLANT; SCIN'TILLANTE (_mus._), brilliant.--_v.i._ SCIN'TILLATE, to throw out sparks: to sparkle.--_n._ SCINTILL[=A]'TION, act of throwing out sparks: shining with a twinkling light.--_adj._ SCINTILLES'CENT, scintillating feebly.--_n._ SCINTILLOM'ETER, an instrument for measuring the intensity of scintillation of the stars. [L., a spark.]

SCIOGRAPHY, s[=i]-og'ra-fi, _n._ Same as SCIAGRAPHY.

SCIOLISM, s[=i]'[=o]-lizm, _n._ superficial knowledge.--_n._ SC[=I]'OLIST, one who knows anything superficially: a pretender to science.--_adjs._ SC[=I]OLIS'TIC, pertaining to, or partaking of, sciolism: pertaining to, or resembling, a sciolist; SC[=I]'OLOUS. [L. _sciolus_, dim. of _scius_, knowing--_sc[=i]re_, to know.]

SCIOLTO, shi-ol't[=o], _adj._ (_mus._) free, unrestrained. [It.]

SCIOMACHY, s[=i]-om'a-ki, _n._ a battle or fighting with shadows: imaginary or futile combat.--Also SCIAM'ACHY. [Gr. _skiamachia_, _skiomachia_--_skia_, shadow, _mach[=e]_, battle.]

SCIOMANCY, s[=i]'[=o]-man-si, _n._ divination by means of the shades of the dead.

SCION, s[=i]'on, _n._ a cutting or twig for grafting: a young member of a family: a descendant. [O. Fr. _sion_, _cion_--L. _section-em_, a cutting--_sec[=a]re_, to cut.]

SCIOPTIC, s[=i]-op'tik, _adj._ noting a certain optical arrangement for forming images in a darkened room, consisting of a globe with a lens fitted to a camera, and made to turn like the eye--also SCIOP'TRIC.--_ns._ SCIOP'TICON; SCIOP'TICS. [Gr. _skia_, shadow, _optikos_, pertaining to sight.]

SCIOTHEISM, s[=i]'[=o]-th[=e]-izm, _n._ ancestor-worship.

SCIOTHERIC. Same as SCIATHERIC (q.v.).

SCIOUS, sc[=i]'us, _adj._ (_obs._) knowing.

SCIRE FACIAS, s[=i]'re f[=a]'shi-as, _n._ (_law_) a writ to enforce the execution of judgments, or to quash them.

SCIRPUS, sir'pus, _n._ a genus of monocotyledonous plants, including the bulrushes. [L., a rush.]

SCIRRHUS, skir'us, or sir'us, _n._ (_med._) a hardened gland forming a tumour: a hardening, esp. that preceding cancer.--_adjs._ SCIRR'HOID, resembling scirrhus; SCIRR'HOUS, hardened, proceeding from scirrhus. [L.,--Gr. _skirros_, _skiros_, a tumour.]

SCIRTOPOD, sir't[=o]-pod, _adj._ having limbs fitted for leaping.--_n.pl._ SCIRTOP'ODA, an order of saltatorial rotifers. [Gr. _skirtan_, leap, _pous_, foot.]

SCISCITATION, sis-i-t[=a]'shun, _n._ (_obs._) the act of inquiry: demand. [L.,--_sciscit[=a]ri_, to inquire--_scisc[)e]re_, to seek to know--_sc[=i]re_, to know.]

SCISSEL, sis'el, _n._ the clippings of various metals: scrap--also SCISS'IL. [O. Fr. _cisaille_--_ciseler_--_cisel_, a chisel (q.v.). The spelling has been adapted in the interests of a fancied connection with L. _scind[)e]re_, _scissum_, to divide.]

SCISSORS, siz'orz, _n.pl._ a cutting instrument consisting of two blades fastened at the middle: shears.--_v.i._ SCISE, s[=i]z (_obs._), to cut: to penetrate.--_adjs._ SCISS'IBLE, SCISS'ILE, capable of being cut.--_ns._ SCIS'SION, the act of cutting: division: splitting; SCISSIPAR'ITY, reproduction by fission.--_v.t._ SCISS'OR, to cut with scissors.--_ns._ SCISS'OR-BILL, a skimmer; SCISS'OR-TAIL, an American bird, the scissor-tailed fly-catcher; SCISS'OR-TOOTH, the sectorial tooth of a carnivore which cuts against its fellow; SCISS[=U]'RA (_anat._), a fissure, a cleft; SCIS'SURE, a cleft: a fissure: a rupture: a division; SCISSUREL'LA, a genus of gasteropods with a shell deeply cut. [Formerly written _cisors_--O. Fr. _cisoires_, conn. with Fr. _ciseaux_, scissors, from Late L. _cisorium_, a cutting instrument--L. _cæd[)e]re_, _cæsum_, to cut.]

SCIURIDÆ, s[=i]-[=u]'ri-d[=e], _n._ a family of rodent mammals containing the squirrels and their allies.--_adjs._ SC[=I]'[=U]RINE, SC[=I]'[=U]ROID.--_ns._ SCI[=U]ROP'TERUS, one of two genera of flying squirrels; SCI[=U]'RUS, a genus of _Sciuridæ_, the arboreal squirrels. [Gr. _skiouros_.]

SCLATE, skl[=a]t, _n._ an obs. or prov. form of _slate_.

SCLAVE, SCLAVONIAN, &c. See SLAV, SLAVONIC.

SCLERA, skl[=e]'ra, _n._ the sclerotic coat of the eye-ball.--_n._ SCL[=E]'RAGOGY, severe discipline.--_adj._ SCL[=E]'RAL.--_ns._ SCL[=E]RAN'THUS, a genus of apetalous plants, including the knawel or German knot-grass; SCLERE, in sponges, a skeletal element; SCL[=E]RENCH'YMA, the hard parts of corals or plants.--_adj._ SCLERENCHYM'ATOUS.--_ns._ SCL[=E]'RIA, a genus of monocotyledonous plants, of the sedge family; SCLER[=I]'ASIS, sclerodermia; SCL[=E]'RITE, any hard part of the integument of arthropods.--_adj._ SCLERIT'IC.--_n._ SCL[=E]'ROBASE, a dense corneous mass, as in red coral.--_adj._ SCLEROB[=A]'SIC.--_ns._ SCL[=E]ROBR[=A]'CHIA, an order of brachiopods; SCL[=E]'RODERM, hardened integument or exo-skeleton, esp. of a coral: a madrepore.--_n.pl._ SCLERODER'MATA, the scaly reptiles: the madrepores.--_n._ SCL[=E]RODER'MIA, a chronic non-inflammatory affection of the skin, which becomes thick and rigid.--_adjs._ SCLERODER'MIC, SCLERODER'MOUS, SCLERODERMIT'IC.--_ns._ SCLERODER'MITE; SCL[=E]'ROGEN, the thickening matter of woody cells, as in walnut-shells, &c.--_adjs._ SCLEROG'ENOUS, producing sclerous tissue: mail-cheeked, as a fish; SCL[=E]'ROID, hard, scleritic.--_ns._ SCL[=E]R[=O]'MA, sclerosis; SCL[=E]ROM[=E]'NINX, the dura mater; SCL[=E]ROM'ETER, an instrument for measuring the hardness of a mineral.--_adjs._ SCL[=E]R[=O]'SAL, SCL[=E]'ROSED.--_ns._ SCL[=E]R[=O]'SIS, a hardening: (_bot._) the induration of a tissue; SCL[=E]ROS'TOMA, a genus of nematode worms; SCL[=E]R[=O]'TAL, a bone of the eye-ball.--_adj._ relating to such.--_adj._ SCL[=E]ROT'IC, hard, firm, applied esp. to the outer membrane of the eye-ball: pertaining to sclerosis: relating to ergot.--_n._ the outermost membrane of the eye-ball.--_ns._ SCL[=E]ROT[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the sclerotic; SCL[=E]R[=O]'TIUM, a hard, multicellular tuber-like body formed towards the end of the vegetative season by the close union of the ordinary mycelial filaments of Fungi.--_adjs._ SCL[=E]'ROUS, hard or indurated: ossified or bony; SCL[=E]RUR'INE, having stiff, hard tail-feathers, as a bird of the genus _Sclerurus_. [Gr. _skl[=e]ros_, hard.]

SCOAT, sk[=o]t, _v.t._ to prop, to block, to scotch, as a wheel.--Also SCOTE. [O. Fr. _ascouter_--_ascot_, a branch--Teut., Old High Ger. _scuz_, a shoot; Ger. _schuss_.]

SCOBBY, skob'i, _n._ the chaffinch.--Also SC[=O]'BY.

SCOBS, skobz, _n._ sawdust: shavings: dross of metals.--_adj._ SCOB'IFORM, resembling sawdust or raspings.--_n._ SCOB[=I]'NA, the pedicle of the spikelets of grasses. [L. _scobis_--_scab[)e]re_, to scrape.]

SCOFF, skof, _v.t._ to mock: to treat with scorn.--_v.i._ to show contempt or scorn: to deride, taunt, gibe.--_n._ an expression of scorn or contempt: an object of scoffing.--_n._ SCOFF'ER.--_adv._ SCOFF'INGLY, in a scoffing manner: with mockery or contempt. [Old Fris. _schof_; Ice. _skaup_, cf. Old Dut. _schoppen_, to scoff.]

SCOGANISM, sk[=o]'gan-izm, _n._ a scurrilous jesting. [From _Scogan_, the name of a famous jester.]

SCOGIE, sk[=o]'ji, _n._ (_Scot._) a kitchen drudge.

SCOLD, sk[=o]ld, _v.i._ to rail in a loud and violent manner: to find fault.--_v.t._ to chide rudely: to rebuke in words.--_n._ a rude, clamorous woman: a termagant.--_ns._ SCOLD'ER; SCOLD'ING, railing: a rating; SCOLD'ING-STOOL, a cucking-stool. [Old Dut. _scheldan_; Ger. _schelten_, to brawl, to scold.]

SCOLECIDA, sk[=o]-les'i-da, _n._ a class of worms consisting of the wheel-animalcules, turbellarians, trematode worms, &c.--_adj._ SCOLEC'IFORM.--_ns._ SCOLEC[=I]'NA, a group of annelids typified by the earth-worm--also SCOLE[=I]'NA; SCOL'EC[=I]TE, a hydrous silicate of aluminium and calcium.--_adjs._ SCOL[=E]'COID, like a scolex; SCOL[=E]COPH'AGOUS, worm-eating, as a bird.--_n._ SCOLECOPH'AGUS, a genus of birds including the maggot-eaters or rusty grackles.--_n.pl._ SCOLECOPHID'IA, a division of angiostomous serpents.--_adj._ SCOLECOPHID'IAN, worm-like, as a snake.--_n._ SC[=O]'LEX, the embryo of an entozoic worm. [Gr. _sk[=o]l[=e]x_, a worm.]

SCOLIA, sk[=o]-li-a, _n._ a genus of fossorial hymenopterous insects. [Gr. _sk[=o]los_, a prickle.]

SCOLIODON, sk[=o]-l[=i]'[=o]-don, _n._ the genus containing the oblique-toothed sharks. [Gr. _skolios_, oblique, _odous_, _odontis_, a tooth.]

SCOLISOIS, skol-i-[=o]'sis, _n._ lateral curvature of the spinal column.--_adj._ SCOLIOT'IC. [Gr.,--_skolios_, oblique.]

SCOLITE, sk[=o]'l[=i]t, _n._ a fossil worm or its trace. [Gr. _skolios_, oblique.]

SCOLLOP. Same as SCALLOP.

SCOLOPACEOUS, skol-[=o]-p[=a]'shi-us, _adj._ resembling a snipe.--_n.pl._ SCOLOPAC'IDÆ, a family of wading-birds containing snipes, &c.--_adjs._ SCOL'OPACINE, SCOL'OPACOID.--_n._ SCOL'OPAX. [L. _scolopax_, a snipe.]

SCOLOPENDRA, skol-[=o]-pen'dra, _n._ a genus of _Myriapoda_, having a long, slender, depressed body, protected by coriaceous plates, and having at least twenty-one pairs of legs: (_Spens._) an imaginary fish or sea-monster.--_adj._ SCOLOPEN'DRIFORM, SCOLOPEN'DRINE.--_n._ SCOLOPEN'DRIUM, a genus of asplenioid ferns, generally called _Hart's-tongue_. [L.,--Gr. _skolopendra_, a milliped.]

SCOLYTUS, skol'i-tus, _n._ typical genus of SCOLYT'IDÆ, a family of bark beetles.--_adj._ SCOL'YTOID. [Gr. _skolyptein_, to strip.]

SCOMBER, skom'b[.e]r, _n._ a genus of acanthopterygian fishes typical of the family _Scombridæ_, to which belong mackerel, tunnies, bonitos, &c.--_ns._ SCOMBER'ESOX, the mackerel pikes, saury pikes, or sauries; SCOMBEROM'ORUS, the Spanish mackerel and related species.--_adjs._ SCOM'BRIFORM, SCOM'BRID, -AL, SCOM'BROID. [L.,--Gr. _skombros_, a mackerel.]

SCOMFISH, skom'fish, _v.t._ (_Scot._) to suffocate by bad air: to nauseate: to discomfit.--_v.i._ to be suffocated. [A corr. of obs. _scomfit_=_discomfit_.]

SCOMM, skom, _n._ (_obs._) a flout: a buffoon. [L. _scomma_--Gr. _sk[=o]mma_, a jest.]

SCONCE, skons, _n._ a bulwark: a small fort: a protective headpiece, hence the head, the skull, brains, wits: a covered stall: a fine: a seat in an old-fashioned open chimney-place, a chimney-seat: a fragment of an icefloe.--_v.t._ to fortify: to tax, to fine lightly, at Oxford and Cambridge, for some irregularity. [O. Fr. _esconcer_, to conceal--L. _abscond[)e]re_, _absconsum_.]

SCONCE, skons, _n._ the part of a candlestick for the candle: a hanging candlestick with a mirror to reflect the light: a lantern. [O. Fr. _esconse_--Low L. _absconsa_, a dark-lantern--_abscond[)e]re_, to hide.]

SCONCHEON. Same as SQUINCH.

SCONE, sk[=o]n, _n._ (_Scot._) a soft cake fired on a griddle. [Perh. Gael. _sgonn_, a shapeless mass.]

SCOON, sk[=oo]n, _v.t._ to skim along like a vessel: (_Scot._) to skip flat stones on the surface of water. [_Scun_.]

SCOOP, sk[=oo]p, _v.t._ to lift up, as water, with something hollow: to empty with a ladle: to make hollow: to dig out: to dredge for grain: to get before a rival newspaper in publishing some important piece of news.--_n._ anything hollow for scooping: a large hollow shovel or ladle: a banker's shovel: a coal-scuttle: a haul of money made in speculation: a place hollowed out: a sweeping stroke: (_Scot._) the peak of a cap: the act of beating another newspaper in publishing some news.--_ns._ SCOOP'ER, an engraver's tool; SCOOP'ING, the action of the right whale in feeding; SCOOP'-NET, a hand-net; SCOOP'-WHEEL, a wheel having buckets attached to its circumference, used for raising water. [Prob. Scand., Sw. _skopa_, a scoop; or Old Dut. _schoepe_, a shovel, Ger. _schüppe_, a shovel.]

SCOOT, sk[=oo]t, _v.i._ to make off with celerity.--_v.t._ (_Scot._) to squirt.--_n._ a sudden flow of water: a squirt. [A variant of _shoot_.]

SCOPA, sk[=o]'pa, _n._ (_entom._) a mass of stiff hairs like a brush.--_n._ SCOP[=A]'RIA, a genus of pyralid moths: a genus of gamopetalous plants--the West Indian _sweet bromweed_.--_adjs._ SCOP[=A]'RIOUS, scopiform; SC[=O]'PATE, covered with stiff hairs; SC[=O]PIF'EROUS, brushy; SC[=O]'PIFORM, broom-shaped.--_ns._ SCOP'ULA (_entom._), a small brush-like organ; SCOPUL[=A]'RIA, in a sponge, the besom-shaped spicule.--_adjs._ SCOP'[=U]LATE, broom-shaped; SCOP'[=U]LIFORM, scopiform; SCOP'[=U]LIPED, SC[=O]'PIPED, having brushy feet, as solitary bees. [L. _scopa_, twigs.]

SCOPE, sk[=o]p, _n._ that which one sees, space as far as one can see: room or opportunity for free outlook: space for action: the end before the mind: intention: length of cable at which a vessel rides at liberty: a target.--_adjs._ SCOPE'FUL, with a wide prospect; SCOPE'LESS, purposeless, useless. [It. _scopo_--Gr. _skopos_--_skopein_, to view.]

SCOPE, sk[=o]p, _n._ (_obs._) a bundle, as of twigs. [L. _scopa_, twigs.]

SCOPELIDÆ, sk[=o]-pel'i-d[=e], _n.pl._ a family of deep-water teleostean fishes, the typical genus SCOP'ELUS. [Gr. _skopelos_, a rock.]

SCOPIDÆ, skop'i-d[=e], _n.pl._ an African family of wading-birds, as the shadow-birds, the typical genus SC[=O]'PUS.

SCOPIOUS, sk[=o]'pi-us, _adj._ (_obs._) spacious.

SCOPPERIL, skop'e-ril, _n._ a top: teetotum: the bone-foundation of a button. [Ice. _skoppa_, to spin.]

SCOPS, skops, _n._ the screech-owl. [Gr. _sk[=o]ps_.]

SCOPTIC, skop'tik, _adj._ mocking: jesting. [_Scomm_.]

SCOPULOUS, skop'[=u]-lus, _adj._ full of rocks. [L. _scopulus_--Gr. _skopelos_, a high rock.]

SCORBUTIC, -AL, skor-b[=u]'tik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to, resembling, or diseased with scurvy. [Low L. _scorbutus_, scurvy, prob. from Old Low Ger. _schorbock_, scurvy, Old Dut. _scheurbuyck_, scurvy. Prob. orig. meaning 'rupture of the belly,' for Old Dut. _scheuren_, to tear, _buyck_ (mod. Dut. _buik_), the belly.]

SCORCH, skorch, _v.t._ to burn slightly: to roast highly: to affect painfully with heat: to singe: to attack with virulence.--_v.i._ to be burned on the surface: to be dried up: (_slang_) to ride a bicycle furiously on a public highway.--_ns._ SCORCHED'-CAR'PET, -WING, British geometrid moths; SCORCH'ER, anything that scorches, a very caustic rebuke, criticism, &c.: one who rides a bicycle furiously on a road; SCORCH'ING.--_p.adj._ burning superficially: bitterly sarcastic, scathing.--_adv._ SCORCH'INGLY.--_n._ SCORCH'INGNESS. [O. Fr. _escorcher_, from Low L. _excorticare_--L. _ex_, off, _cortex_, _corticis_, bark; or prob. Scand., Norw. _skrekka_, to shrink.]

SCORDATO, sk[=o]r-dä't[=o], _adj._ (_mus._) put out of tune.--_n._ SCORDAT[=U]'RA, in stringed musical instruments, an intentional departure from the normal tuning. [It.]

SCORE, sk[=o]r, _n._ a mark or notch for keeping count: a line drawn: the number twenty, once represented by a larger notch: a reckoning: a debt: the register of the various points of play in a game: account: reason: the original draught of a musical composition with all the parts, or its transcript.--_v.t._ to mark with notches or lines: to furrow: to set down: to charge: to engrave: to braid: to note: to enter: to make points, &c., in certain games.--_v.i._ to keep, or to run up, a score: to succeed in making points, &c., in a game.--_ns._ SC[=O]R'ER, one who keeps the marks in a game; SC[=O]R'ING, the act of one who, or that which, scores: a deep groove made by glacial action: the act of repeatedly bringing a racer and his rider to the starting-point, so as to get a fair start.--GO OFF AT SCORE, to make a spirited start; PAY OFF OLD SCORES, to repay old grudges; RUN UP A SCORE, to run up a debt. [A.S. _scor_--_sceran_ (pa.p. _scoren_), to shear.]

SCORIA, sk[=o]'ri-a, _n._ dross or slag left from metal or ores after being under fire: a genus of geometrid moths:--_pl._ SC[=O]'RIÆ, volcanic ashes.--_adjs._ SC[=O]'RIAC, SCORI[=A]'CEOUS.--_ns._ SCORIFIC[=A]'TION, the act or operation of reducing a body to scoria: a method of assaying by fusing the ore with metallic lead and borax in a scorifier; SCOR'IF[=I]ER, a flat dish used in such a form of assaying.--_adj._ SC[=O]'RIFORM, like scoria.--_v.t._ SC[=O]'RIFY, to reduce to slag.--_adj._ SC[=O]'RIOUS. [L.,--Gr. _sk[=o]ria_.]

SCORN, skorn, _n._ disdain caused by a mean opinion of anything: extreme contempt: object of contempt.--_v.t._ to hold in extreme contempt: to disdain: to make a mock of.--_v.i._ to scoff: to jeer.--_n._ SCOR'NER, one who scorns: (_B._) one who scoffs at religion: a scoffer.--_adj._ SCORN'FUL, full of scorn: contemptuous: disdainful.--_adv._ SCORN'FULLY.--_ns._ SCORN'FULNESS; SCOR'NING.--LAUGH TO SCORN (_B._), to deride; THINK SCORN, to disdain or despise. [O. Fr. _escarn_, mockery--Old High Ger. _skern_, mockery.]

SCORODITE, skor'[=o]-d[=i]t, _n._ a hydrous arseniate of iron.--Also SKOR'ODITE. [Gr. _skorodon_, _skordon_, garlic.]

SCORPÆNA, skor-p[=e]'na, _n._ a genus of fishes, the typical genus of SCORPÆ'NIDÆ, a family including the rose-fish, the Californian rock-fish, and their allies. [L.,--Gr. _skorpaina_, a fish.]

SCORPER, skor'p[.e]r, _n._ a gouging-chisel [For _scauper_.]

SCORPION, skor'pi-un, _n._ a name applicable to any member of the family _Scorpionidæ_, included along with spiders, mites, &c. in the heterogeneous class _Arachnida_--they have an elongated body, claws like the lobster, and a poisonous sting in the tail: one of the signs of the zodiac: (_B._) a whip with points like a scorpion's tail: an old military engine: any person of virulent hatred or animosity.--_n._ SCOR'PIO, a scorpion: (_astron._) a constellation and the eighth sign of the zodiac.--_adj._ SCOR'PIOID, curled like the tail of a scorpion.--_n._ SCOR'PION-BUG, a large predacious water-beetle.--_n.pl._ SCORPI[=O]'NES, true scorpions, a sub-order of _Arachnida_.--_ns._ SCOR'PION-FISH, a sea-scorpion; SCOR'PION-FLY, an insect having its abdomen curled like a scorpion; SCOR'PION-GRASS, the forget-me-not: the mouse-ear; SCORPION'IDA, an order of _Arachnida_, containing the Scorpiones or true scorpions; SCOR'PION-LOB'STER, a long-tailed crustacean; SCOR'PION-PLANT, a Javan orchid with large creamy flower supposed to resemble a spider; SCOR'PION-SHELL, a gasteropod distinguished by long, channelled spines; SCOR'PION-SP[=I]'DER, a whip-scorpion; SCOR'PION-WORT, a leguminous plant native of southern Europe; SCORPI[=U]'RUS, a genus of leguminous plants named scorpion's tail. [Fr.,--L. _scorpio_--Gr. _skorpios_.]

SCORSE. Same as SCOURSE (2).

SCORTATORY, skor'ta-t[=o]-ri, _adj._ pertaining to lewdness. [L. _scortator_, a fornicator--_scortum_, a whore.]

SCORZA, skor'za, _n._ a variety of epidote. [It.]

SCORZONERA, skor-z[=o]-n[=e]'ra, _n._ a genus of Old World herbs of the Aster family--_Viper's Grass_. [It., _scorza_, bark, _nera_, black, fem. of _nero_--L. _niger_, black.]

SCOT, skot, _n._ a payment, esp. a customary tax--also SHOT.--_adj._ SCOT'-FREE, free from scot or payment: untaxed: unhurt, safe.--SCOT AND LOT, an old legal phrase embracing all parochial assessments for the poor, the church, lighting, cleansing, and watching. [A.S. _scot_, _sceot_--_scéotan_, to shoot.]

SCOT, skot, _n._ a native of _Scotland_: one of the Scoti or Scots, a Celtic race who migrated from Ireland--the original _Scotia_--before the end of the 5th century.--_n._ SC[=O]'TIA, Scotland.--SCOTS GREYS, a famous regiment of dragoons, established in 1683; SCOTS GUARDS, the Scottish force which served the kings of France from 1418 down to the battle of Minden (1759), nominally retained, however, down to 1830: a well-known regiment of Guards in the British army, formerly Scots Fusiliers.--POUND SCOTS, 1s. 8d. [A.S. _Scottas_, the Scots. Further ety. quite uncertain, whether Gael. _sguit_, a wanderer, Gr. _Skyth[=e]s_, a Scythian, &c.]

SCOTCH, skoch, _adj._ pertaining to _Scotland_, its people, language, customs, products, &c.--also SCOT'TISH, SCOTS.--_n._ the dialect of English spoken in Lowland Scotland: (_coll._) Scotch whisky.--_ns._ SCOTCH'-HOP, a child's game: hop-scotch; SCOTCH'MAN, SCOTS'MAN, a native of Scotland.--SCOTCH AMULET, a British geometrid moth; SCOTCH AND ENGLISH, the boys' game of prisoner's base; SCOTCH BARLEY, pot or hulled barley; SCOTCH BLUEBELL, the harebell; SCOTCH BONNETS, the fairy-ring mushroom; SCOTCH BROTH, broth made with pot-barley and plenty of various vegetables chopped small; SCOTCH CAP, the wild black raspberry; SCOTCH CATCH, or SNAP, the peculiarity in Scotch music of the first of two tones played to the same beat being the shorter; SCOTCH CURLIES, a variety of kale; SCOTCH FIR, or PINE, the only species of pine indigenous to Britain, valuable for its timber, turpentine, tar, &c.; SCOTCH KALE, a variety of kale; SCOTCH MIST, a mist like fine rain; SCOTCH PEBBLES, varieties of agate and jasper; SCOTCH THISTLE, the national emblem of Scotland.

SCOTCH, skoch, _v.t._ to cut or wound slightly: to notch.--_n._ a notch, scratch.--_n._ SCOTCH'ING, a method of dressing stone with a pick.--SCOTCHED-COLLOPS, or (erroneously) SCOTCH-COLLOPS, beef-steaks fried with onions. [Related to _scutch_, _scratch_.]

SCOTCH, skoch, _n._ a strut or drag for a wheel.--_v.t._ to prop or block with such.--_n._ SCOTE, a prop.--_v.t._ to stop or block.

SCOTER, sk[=o]'t[.e]r, _n._ a genus of northern sea-ducks, with bill gibbous at the base. [Prob. Ice. _skoti_--_skjóta_, to shoot.]

SCOTIA, sk[=o]'ti-a, _n._ a concave moulding, as the base of a pillar. [Gr. _skotia_,--_skotos_, darkness.]

SCOTICE, skot'i-s[=e], _adv._ in the Scotch language or manner.--_n._ SCOT'ICISM=_Scotticism_.

SCOTISM, sk[=o]'tizm, _n._ the metaphysical system of Johannes Duns _Scotus_, a native of Dunstane in Northumberland, Dun or Down in the north of Ireland, or Dunse in Berwickshire (1265 or 1274-1308), the great assailant of the method of Aquinas in seeking in speculation instead of in practice the foundation of Christian theology--his theological descendants were the Franciscans, in opposition to the Dominicans, who followed Aquinas.--_n._ SC[=O]'TIST, a follower of Duns Scotus.--_adj._ SCOTIS'TIC.

SCOTOGRAPH, skot'[=o]-graf, _n._ an instrument for writing in the dark, or for the use of the blind.--_ns._ SCOT[=O]'MA, a defect in the vision (_obs._ SCOT'OMY); SCOT'OPHIS, a genus of carinated serpents of North America; SCOTOR'NIS, a genus of African birds with very long tails; SCOT'OSCOPE, a night-glass. [Gr. _skotos_, darkness, _graphein_, to write.]

SCOTTICISM, skot'i-sizm, _n._ a Scotch idiom.--_v.t._ SCOTT'ICISE.--_n._ SCOTTIFIC[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ SCOTT'IFY (_coll._), to give Scotch character to.

SCOUNDREL, skown'drel, _n._ a low worthless fellow: a rascal: a man without principle.--_ns._ SCOUN'DRELDOM, scoundrels collectively; SCOUN'DRELISM, baseness, rascality.--_adv._ SCOUN'DRELLY. [For _scunner-el_, one who scunners, or who causes scunnering--A.S. _scunian_, to shun.]

SCOUP, skowp, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to run: to scamper. [Related to _skip_.]

SCOUR, skowr, _v.t._ to clean by rubbing with something rough: to cleanse from grease or dirt: to remove by rubbing: to cleanse by a current: to search thoroughly by scrubbing: to cleanse by brushing: to purge drastically.--_n._ the action of a strong current in a narrow channel: violent purging.--_ns._ SCOUR'AGE, refuse water after scouring; SCOUR'ER, drastic cathartic; SCOUR'ING, in angling, the freshening of angle-worms for bait by putting them in clean sand; SCOUR'ING-BALL, a ball composed of soap, &c., for removing stains of grease.--_n.pl._ SCOUR'ING-DROPS, a mixture of oil of turpentine and oil of lemon used for removing stains.--_ns._ SCOUR'ING-RUSH, one of the horse-tails; SCOUR'ING-STOCK, in woollen manufacture, an apparatus in which cloths are treated to remove the oil and to cleanse them in the process of manufacture. [O. Fr. _escurer_--L. _excur[=a]re_, to take great care of.]

SCOUR, skowr, _v.i._ to run with swiftness: to scurry along.--_v.t._ to run quickly over.--_n._ SCOUR'ER, a footpad. [O. Fr. _escourre_--L. _excurr[)e]re_, to run forth.]

SCOURGE, skurj, _n._ a whip made of leather thongs: an instrument of punishment: a punishment: means of punishment.--_v.t._ to whip severely: to punish in order to correct.--_n._ SCOUR'GER, a flagellant. [O. Fr. _escorgie_ (Fr. _écourgée_)--L. (_scutia_) _excoriata_, (a whip) made of leather--_corium_, leather.]

SCOURSE, sk[=o]rs, _v.i._ (_Spens._) to run: to hurry. [O. Fr. _escourser_--L. _excurr[)e]re_, _excursum_, to run out.]

SCOURSE, sk[=o]rs, _v.t._ to barter, exchange.--_v.i._ to make an exchange.--_n._ (_Spens._) discourse.--Also SCORSE, SCOSS. [Prob. _discourse_.]

SCOUT, skowt, _n._ one sent out to bring in tidings, observe the enemy, &c.: a spy: a sneak: in cricket, a fielder: the act of watching: a bird of the auk family: a college servant at Oxford, the same as _gyp_ in Cambridge and _skip_ in Dublin.--_v.t._ to watch closely.--_n._ SCOUT'-MAS'TER, an officer who has the direction of army scouts. [O. Fr. _escoute_--escouter (It. _ascoltare_)--L. _auscult[=a]re_, to listen--auris, the ear.]

SCOUT, skowt, _v.t._ to sneer at: to reject with disdain.--_adv._ SCOUT'INGLY, sneeringly. [Scand.,--Ice. _skúta_, _skúti_, a taunt--_skjóta_, to shoot.]

SCOUT, skowt, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to pour forth a liquid forcibly, esp. excrement.--_n._ the guillemot.

SCOUTER, skowt'[.e]r, _n._ a workman who uses jump-drills, wedges, &c. to scale off large flakes of stone.

SCOUTH, skowth, _n._ (_Scot._) room: scope, plenty.

SCOUTHER, skow'th[.e]r, _v.t._ (_Scot._) to scorch: to fire hastily, as on a gridiron.

SCOVAN, sk[=o]'van, _n._ a Cornish name for a vein of tin.

SCOVE, sk[=o]v, _v.t._ to cover with clay so as to prevent the escape of heat in burning.

SCOVED, sk[=o]vd, _adj._ (_prov._) smeared or blotched.--Also SC[=O]'VY.

SCOVEL, skuv'l, _n._ (_prov._) a mop for sweeping ovens.

SCOW, skow, _n._ a flat-bottomed boat: a ferry-boat. [Dut. _schouw_.]

SCOWL, skowl, _v.i._ to wrinkle the brows in displeasure: to look sour or angry: to look gloomy.--_n._ the wrinkling of the brows when displeased.--_p.adj._ SCOW'LING.--_adv._ SCOW'LINGLY. [Scand., Dan. _skule_, to scowl; Low Ger. _schulen_, to look slyly.]

SCOWL, skowl, _n._ (_prov._) old workings of iron ore.

SCOWTHER, SCOUTHER, skow'th[.e]r, _n._ (_prov._) a flying shower.

SCRAB, skrab, _n._ a crab-apple.

SCRABBLE, skrab'l, _v.i._ to scrape or make unmeaning marks, to scrawl: to scramble or crawl along with difficulty.--_v.t._ to gather hastily.--_n._ a scramble.--_v.t._ SCRAB, to scratch, to scrape.--SCRABBED EGGS, a dish of hard-boiled eggs chopped up and seasoned. [A form of _scrapple_, freq. of _scrape_.]

SCRAFFLE, skraf'l, _v.i._ to scramble: to wrangle: to be industrious: to shuffle. [A form of _scrabble_ or _scramble_.]

SCRAG, skrag, _n._ anything thin or lean and rough: the bony part of the neck.--_v.t._ to put to death by hanging.--_adjs._ SCRAG'GED, SCRAG'GY, lean and rough: uneven, rugged.--_ns._ SCRAG'GEDNESS, SCRAG'GINESS.--_adv._ SCRAG'GILY.--_adjs._ SCRAG'GLY, rough-looking; SCRAG'-NECKED, having a long, thin neck.--_n._ SCRAG'-WHALE, a finner whale, having the back scragged. [Scand., Sw. prov. _shraka_, a tall tree or man, _shrokk_, anything shrivelled--Norw. _skrekka_, to shrink.]

SCRAICH, SCRAIGH, skr[=a]h, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to scream hoarsely: to screech, to shriek.--_n._ SCRAICH. [Gael. _sgreach_.]

SCRAMB, skramb, _v.t._ (_prov._) to scrape together with the hands. [A variant of _scramp_.]

SCRAMBLE, skram'bl, _v.i._ to struggle to seize something before others: to catch at or strive for rudely: to wriggle along on all-fours.--_v.t._ to throw down to be scrambled for: to advance or push.--_n._ act of scrambling: a struggle for office.--_n._ SCRAM'BLER.--_adj._ SCRAM'BLING, confused and irregular.--_adv._ SCRAM'BLINGLY, in a scrambling manner: irregularly: unceremoniously. [Prov. Eng. _scramb_, to rake together with the hands, or _scramp_, to snatch at; nearly allied to _scrabble_ and _scrape_.]

SCRAMP, skramp, _v.t._ to catch at, snatch. [_Scramble_.]

SCRAN, skran, _n._ broken victuals: refuse--also SKRAN.--_n._ SCRAN'NING, the act of begging for food.--BAD SCRAN TO YOU! bad fare to you! an Irish imprecation. [Prob. Ice. _skran_, rubbish.]

SCRANCH, skransh, _v.t._ to grind with the teeth: to crunch.--Also SCRAUNCH, SCRUNCH. [Prob. Dut. _schransen_, to eat heartily.]

SCRANKY, skrank'i, _adj._ (_Scot._) scraggy: lank.

SCRANNEL, skran'l, _adj._ (_Milt._) producing a weak, screeching noise: thin: squeaking.

SCRANNY, skran'i, _adj._ (_prov._) lean and thin.

SCRAP, skrap, _n._ a small piece: a remnant: a picture suited for preservation in a scrap-book: wrought-iron clippings: an unconnected extract.--_v.t._ to consign to the scrap-heap.--_ns._ SCRAP'-BOOK, a blank book for scraps or extracts, prints, &c.; SCRAP'-HEAP, a place where old iron is collected; SCRAP'-[=I]'RON, old iron accumulated for reworking; SCRAP'-MET'AL, scraps or fragments of any kind of metal, which are only of use for remelting.--_adv._ SCRAP'PILY, in fragments, desultorily.--_n._ SCRAP'PINESS, fragmentariness, disconnectedness.--_adj._ SCRAP'PY.--GO TO THE SCRAP-HEAP, to go to ruin. [Scand., Ice. _skrap_, scraps--_skrapa_, to scrape.]

SCRAP, skrap, _n._ (_slang_) a fight, scrimmage.

SCRAP, skrap, _n._ a snare for birds.

SCRAPE, skr[=a]p, _v.t._ to make a harsh or grating noise on: to rub with something sharp: to remove by drawing a sharp edge over: to collect by laborious effort: to save penuriously: to erase.--_v.i._ to grub in the ground: to rub lightly: to draw back the foot in making obeisance: to play on a stringed instrument.--_n._ a perplexing situation: difficulty: a shave.--_adj._ SCRAPE'-GOOD, miserly, stingy.--_ns._ SCRAPE'-PENN'Y, a miser; SCRAP'ER, an instrument used for scraping, esp. the soles of shoes outside the door of a house: a hoe: a tool used by engravers and others: a fiddler; SCRAP'ING, that which is scraped off, as the scrapings of the street: shavings, hoardings; SCRAP'ING-PLANE, a plane used by workers in metal and wood.--SCRAPE ACQUAINTANCE WITH, to get on terms of acquaintance. [Scand., Ice. _skrapa_, to scrape; Dut. _schrapen_; A.S. _scearpian_.]

SCRAPPLE, skrap'l, _v.i._ to grub about.--_n._ a mixture of meat-scraps, herbs, &c. stewed, pressed in cakes, sliced and fried. [Dim. of _scrap_.]

SCRAT, skrat, _n._ a devil.--Also OLD SCRATCH, the devil. [Cf. Ger. _schratt_, Ice. _skratti_, a goblin.]

SCRATCH, skrach, _v.t._ to mark the surface with something pointed, as the nails: to tear or to dig with the claws: to write hurriedly: to erase.--_v.i._ to use the claws in tearing or digging: to delete a name on a voting-paper.--_n._ a mark or tear made by scratching: a slight wound: the line in a prize-ring up to which boxers are led--hence test, trial, as in 'to come up to the scratch:' (_pl._) a disease in horses: the time of starting of a player: in billiards, a chance stroke which is successful: a kind of wig, a scratch-wig: a scrawl.--_adj._ taken at random, as a 'scratch crew:' without handicap, or allowance of time or distance.--_ns._ SCRATCH'-BACK, a kind of toy, which, when drawn over a person's back, makes a sound as if his coat was torn; SCRATCH'-BRUSH, a name given to various forms of brushes; SCRATCH'-COAT, the first coat of plaster; SCRATCH'ER, a bird which scratches for food.--_adv._ SCRATCH'INGLY.--_n.pl._ SCRATCH'INGS, refuse matter strained out of fat when melted.--_ns._ SCRATCH'-WEED, the goose-grass; SCRATCH'-WIG, a wig that covers only part of the head; SCRATCH'-WORK, a kind of wall decoration.--_adj._ SCRATCH'Y, ragged: scratching: of little depth.--SCRATCH OUT, to erase. [Explained by Skeat as due to the confusion of M. E. _skratten_, to scratch, with M. E. _cracchen_, to scratch: _skratten_ standing for _skarten_, an extended form from Ice. _sker-a_, to shear; _cracchen_, again, stands for _kratsen_--Sw. _kratsa_, to scrape.]

SCRATTLE, skrat'l, _v.i._ (_prov._) to scuttle.

SCRAW, skraw, _n._ a turf, a sod. [Gael. _scrath_.]

SCRAWL, skrawl, _n._ (_U.S._) brushwood.

SCRAWL, skrawl, _v.t._ and _v.i._ to scrape, mark, or write irregularly or hastily.--_n._ irregular or hasty writing: bad writing: a broken branch of a tree: the young of the dog-crab.--_n._ SCRAWL'ER.--_adj._ SCRAWL'Y, ill-formed. [A contr. of _scrabble_.]

SCRAWM, skrawm, _v.t._ (_prov._) to tear, to scratch. [Prob. Dut. _schrammen_, _schram_, a rent.]

SCRAWNY, skraw'ni, _adj._ wasted: raw-boned.--_n._ SCRAW'NINESS. [_Scranny_.]

SCRAY, skr[=a], _n._ the sea-swallow. [W. _ysgräell_.]

SCREAK, skr[=e]k, _v.t._ to scream: to creak.--_n._ a screech.

SCREAM, skr[=e]m, _v.i._ to cry out with a shrill cry, as in fear or pain: to shriek.--_n._ a shrill, sudden cry, as in fear or pain: a shriek.--_n._ SCREAM'ER, one who screams: a genus of South American birds about the size of the turkey, with loud, harsh cry: (_U.S. slang_) a bouncer.--SCREAMING FARCE, one highly ludicrous. [Scand., Ice. _skræma_, Sw. _skrämma_, to fear; cf. _Screech_, _Shriek_.]

SCREE, skr[=e], _n._ débris at the base of a cliff.--Also SCREES. [Ice. _skritha_, a landslip--_skrítha_, creep.]

SCREE, skr[=e], _n._ (_Scot._) a coarse sieve.

SCREECH, skr[=e]ch, _v.i._ to utter a harsh, shrill, and sudden cry.--_n._ a harsh, shrill, and sudden cry.--_ns._ SCREECH'ER, the swift; SCREECH'-HAWK, the night-jar; SCREECH'-MAR'TIN, the swift; SCREECH'-OWL, a kind of screeching owl: the missel-thrush: the barn-owl; SCREECH'-THRUSH, the missel-thrush.--_adj._ SCREECH'Y, shrill and harsh, like a screech: loud-mouthed. [M. E. _scriken_--Scand., Ice. _shrækja_, to shriek; cf. Gael. _sgreach_, to shriek.]

SCREED, skr[=e]d, _n._ a piece torn off: a shred: a long tirade: (_Scot._) a strip of mortar: a rent, a tear.--_v.t._ to repeat glibly. [A.S. _screáde_, a shred.]

SCREEN, skr[=e]n, _n._ that which shelters from danger or observation, that which protects from heat, cold, or the sun: (_Scot._) a large scarf: an enclosure or partition of wood, stone, or metal work, common in churches, shutting off chapels from the nave, separating the nave from the choir, &c.: a coarse riddle for sifting coal, &c.--_v.t._ to shelter or conceal: to pass through a coarse riddle.--_n._ SCREEN'ING-MACHINE', an apparatus for sifting coal.--_n.pl._ SCREEN'INGS, the refuse matter after sifting. [O. Fr. _escren_ (Fr. _écran_), from Old High Ger. _scranna_, a court; Ger. _schranne_, a bench.]

SCREEVER, skr[=e]v'[.e]r, _n._ one who writes begging letters.--_v.t._ SCREEVE, to write such.--_n._ SCREEV'ING, the writing of begging letters: drawing with coloured chalks on the pavement for coppers.

SCREW, skr[=oo], _n._ a cylinder with a spiral groove or ridge on either its outer or inner surface, used as a fastening and as a mechanical power: a screw-propeller: a turn or twist to one side: a penny packet of tobacco put up in a paper twisted at both ends: a stingy fellow, an extortioner, a skinflint: a broken-winded horse: pressure: (_U.S. slang_) a professor who requires students to work hard: salary, wages.--_v.t._ to apply a screw to: to press with a screw: to twist: to oppress by extortion: to force: to squeeze.--_ns._ SCREW'-BOLT, a bolt threaded at one end for a nut; SCREW'-CUT'TER, a hand-tool for cutting screws; SCREW'-DRIV'ER, an instrument for driving or turning screw-nails.--_adj._ SCREWED (_slang_), tipsy, tight.--_ns._ SCREW'-EL'EVATOR, a dentist's instrument: a surgeon's instrument for forcing open the jaws; SCREW'ER.--_adj._ SCREW'ING, exacting: close.--_ns._ SCREW'-JACK (same as JACKSCREW); SCREW'-KEY, a lever for turning the nut of a screw; SCREW'-MACHINE', a machine for making screws; SCREW'-NAIL, a nail made in the form of a screw; SCREW'-PILE, a pile forced into the ground, and held there by a peculiar kind of screw at the lower extremity; SCREW'-PINE, a plant of the tropical genus _Pandanus_, or of the screw-pine family--from the screw-like arrangement of the clustered leaves; SCREW'-PLATE, a plate of steel in which are a graduated series of holes, with internal screws used in forming external screws; SCREW'-POD, the screw-bean SCREW'-PRESS, a press in which the force is applied by means of a screw; SCREW'-PROPEL'LER, a screw or spiral-bladed wheel at the stern of steam-vessels for propelling them: a steamer so propelled; SCREW'-RUDD'ER, an application of the screw for the purpose of steering; SCREW'-STAIR, a spiral staircase: a hanging stair; SCREW'-STEAM'ER, a steamer propelled by a screw; SCREW'STONE, a wheelstone: a fossil screw; SCREW'-THREAD, the spiral ridge on the cylinder of a male screw, or on the inner surface of a female screw; SCREW'-VALVE, a stop-cock opened and shut by means of a screw instead of a spigot; SCREW'-VEN'TILATOR, a ventilating apparatus; SCREW'-WORM, the larva of a blow-fly; SCREW'-WRENCH, a tool for grasping the flat sides of the heads of large screws.--_adj._ SCREW'Y, exacting: close: worthless.--A SCREW LOOSE, something defective. [Earlier _scrue_. O. Fr. _escrou_, prob. L. _scrobem_, accus. of _scrobs_, a hole; or Low Ger. _schruve_, Dut. _schroef_, Ice. _skrufa_, Ger. _schraube_.]

SCRIBBET, skrib'et, _n._ a painter's pencil.

SCRIBBLE, skrib'l, _v.t._ to scratch or write carelessly: to fill with worthless writing.--_v.i._ to write carelessly: to scrawl.--_n._ careless writing: a scrawl.--_ns._ SCRIBB'LER, a petty author; SCRIBB'LING, the act of writing hastily or carelessly.--_adv._ SCRIBB'LINGLY.--_n.pl._ SCRIBB'LINGS. [A freq. of _scribe_.]

SCRIBBLE, skrib'l, _v.t._ to card roughly, as wool.--_ns._ SCRIBB'LER, a machine for doing this, or a person who tends such; SCRIBB'LING, the first carding of wool or cotton; SCRIBB'LING-MACHINE', a coarse form of carding-machine. [Scand., Sw. _skrubbla_, to card.]

SCRIBBLE-SCRABBLE, skrib'l-skrab'l, _n._ an ungainly fellow. [Reduplicated from _scrabble_.]

SCRIBE, skr[=i]b, _n._ a writer: a public or official writer: a clerk, amanuensis, secretary: (_B._) an expounder and teacher of the Mosaic and traditional law: a pointed instrument to mark lines on wood, &c.--_v.t._ to write: to record: to mark.--_adjs._ SCR[=I]'BABLE, capable of being written upon; SCRIB[=A]'CIOUS, given to writing.--_n._ SCRIB[=A]'CIOUSNESS.--_adj._ SCR[=I]'BAL, pertaining to a scribe.--_ns._ SCR[=I]'BING; SCR[=I]'BING-COM'PASS, an instrument used in saddlery and cooper-work; SCR[=I]'BISM. [Fr.,--L. _scriba_--_scrib[)e]re_, to write.]

SCRIEVE, skr[=e]v, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to glide swiftly along. [Scand., Ice. _skrefa_--_skref_, a stride.]

SCRIGGLE, skrig'l, _v.i._ to writhe: to wriggle.--_n._ a wriggling. [Prob. Ice. _shrika_, to slip; Ger. _schrecken_, Dut. _schrikken_, to terrify.]

SCRIKE, skr[=i]k, _v.i._ (_Spens._) to shriek.

SCRIM, skrim, _n._ cloth used for linings.

SCRIME, skr[=i]m, _v.i._ to fence.--_n._ SCR[=I]'MER (_Shak._), a fencer. [Fr. _escrimer_, to fence; cf. _Skirmish_.]

SCRIMMAGE, skrim'[=a]j, _n._ a skirmish: a general fight: a tussle. [Prob. a corr. of _skirmish_.]

SCRIMP, skrimp, _v.t._ to make too small or short: to limit or shorten: to straiten.--_adj._ short, scanty.--_adj._ SCRIMP'ED, pinched.--_adv._ SCRIMP'LY, hardly: scarcely.--_n._ SCRIMP'NESS.--_adj._ SCRIMP'Y, scanty. [A.S. _scrimpan_; allied to _scrimman_, to shrink, and _scrincan_, to shrivel up.]

SCRIMSHAW, skrim'shaw, _v.t._ to engrave fanciful designs on shells, whales' teeth, &c.--_n._ any shell or the like fancifully engraved.

SCRINE, skr[=i]n, _n._ (_Spens._) a cabinet for papers, a shrine. [O. Fr. _escrin_--L. _scrinium_, a shrine.]

SCRINGE, skrinj, _v.i._ to cringe. [A form of _shrink_.]

SCRIP, skrip, _n._ that which is written: a piece of paper containing writing: a certificate of stock or shares in any joint-stock company subscribed or allotted.--_ns._ SCRIP'-COM'PANY, a company having shares which pass by delivery; SCRIP'-HOLD'ER, one whose title to stock is a written certificate. [A variant of _script_--L. _scrib[)e]re_, _scriptum_, to write.]

SCRIP, skrip, _n._ a small bag: a satchel: a pilgrim's pouch: (_her._) a bearing representing a pouch.--_n._ SCRIP'PAGE (_Shak._), contents of a scrip. [Ice. _skreppa_, a bag; Ger. _scherbe_, a shred.]

SCRIPT, skript, _n._ (_print._) type like written letters: a writing: (_law_) an original document: handwriting.--_n._ SCRIP'TION, a handwriting. [O. Fr. _escript_--L. _scriptum_--_scrib[)e]re_, to write.]

SCRIPTORIUM, skrip-t[=o]'ri-um, _n._ a writing-room, esp. that in a monastery.--_adj._ SCRIP'TORY, written.

SCRIPTURE, skrip't[=u]r, _n._ sacred writing: the Bible: a writing: a deed: any sacred writing.--_adj._ SCRIP'TURAL, contained in Scripture: according to Scripture: biblical: written.--_ns._ SCRIP'TURALISM, literal adherence to the Scriptures; SCRIP'TURALIST, a literalist in his obedience to the letter of Scripture, a student of Scripture.--_adv._ SCRIP'TURALLY.--_ns._ SCRIP'TURALNESS; SCRIP'TURE-READ'ER, an evangelist who reads the Bible in cottages, barracks, &c.; SCRIP'TURIST, one versed in Scripture.--THE SCRIPTURES, the Bible. [L. _scriptura_--_scrib[)e]re_, to write.]

SCRITCH, skrich, _n._ a screech or shrill cry: a thrush. [A variant of _screech_.]

SCRIVANO, skriv-ä'n[=o], _n._ a writer: a clerk. [It.]

SCRIVE, skr[=i]v, _v.t._ to describe: to draw a line with a pointed tool. [_Scribe_.]

SCRIVENER, skriv'en-[.e]r, _n._ a scribe: a copyist: one who draws up contracts, &c.: one who receives the money of others to lay it out at interest.--_n._ SCRIV'ENERSHIP. [O. Fr. _escrivain_ (Fr. _écrivain_)--Low L. _scribanus_--L. _scriba_, a scribe.]

SCROBE, skr[=o]b, _n._ a groove in the rostrum of weevils or curculios, or on the outer side of the mandible.--_adjs._ SCROBIC'ULATE, -D, having numerous shallow depressions.--_n._ SCROBIC'ULUS (_anat._), a pit or depression. [L. _scrobis_, a ditch.]

SCROD, skrod, _v.t._ to shred.--_n._ a young codfish.--_n._ SCROD'GILL, an instrument for taking fish. [_Shred_.]

SCRODDLE, skrod'l, _v.t._ to variegate, as pottery in different colours.--SCRODDLED WARE, mottled pottery.

SCROFULA, skrof'[=u]-la, _n._ a disease with chronic swellings of the glands in various parts of the body, esp. the neck, tending to suppurate: the king's evil.--_adjs._ SCROFULIT'IC, SCROF'ULOUS, pertaining to, resembling, or affected with scrofula.--_adv._ SCROF'ULOUSLY.--_n._ SCROF'ULOUSNESS. [L. _scrofulæ_--_scrofula_, a little pig, dim. of _scrofa_, a sow.]

SCROG, skrog, _n._ (_Scot._) a stunted bush: a thicket: brushwood: (_her._) a branch.--_adjs._ SCROG'GIE, SCROG'GY, covered with underwood. [_Scrag_.]

SCROLL, skr[=o]l, _n._ a roll of paper or parchment: a writing in the form of a roll: a rough draft of anything: a schedule: a flourish added to a person's signature as a substitute for a seal: in hydraulics, a spiral water-way placed round a turbine to regulate the flow of water: (_anat._) a turbinate bone: (_archit._) a spiral ornament, the volute of the Ionic and Corinthian capitals.--_v.t._ to draft: to write in rough outline.--_adj._ SCROLLED, formed into a scroll: ornamented with scrolls.--_ns._ SCROLL'-HEAD, an ornamental piece at the bow of a vessel; SCROLL'-WHEEL, a cog-wheel in the form of a scroll; SCROLL'-WORK, ornamental work of scroll-like character. [O. Fr. _escroue_, acc. to Skeat from Old Dut. _schroode_, a shred.]

SCROOP, skr[=oo]p, _v.i._ to emit a harsh sound: to creak.--_n._ any crisp sound like that made when a bundle of yarn is tightly twisted. [Imit.]

SCROPHULARIA, skrof-[=u]-l[=a]'ri-a, _n._ the _figwort_ genus of herbs, type of the _Scrophulariaceæ_ or _Scrophularineæ_, a natural order containing almost 2000 known species, chiefly herbaceous and half-shrubby plants--_Digitalis_ or _Fox-glove_, _Calceolaria_, _Mimulus_, _Antirrhinum_ or _Snap-dragon_, _Veronica_ or _Speedwell_, and _Euphrasia_ or _Eye-bright_, &c.

SCROTUM, skr[=o]'tum, _n._ the bag which contains the testicles.--_adjs._ SCR[=O]'TAL, relating to the scrotum; SCR[=O]'TIFORM, formed like a double bag.--_ns._ SCROT[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the scrotum; SCR[=O]'TOCELE, a scrotal hernia. [L.]

SCROUGE, skrowj, _v.t.._ to squeeze: to crowd--also SCROOGE, SCRUDGE.--_n._ SCROU'GER, a whopper: something large. [Variant forms of _shrug_.]

SCROW, skrow, _n._ a roll: a scroll: a writing: clippings from hides. [_Scroll_.]

SCROYLE, skroil, _n._ (_Shak._) a scabby fellow: a mean fellow. [O. Fr. _escrouelles_, scrofula--L. _scrofulæ_.]

SCRUB, skrub, _v.t.._ to rub hard, esp. with something rough.--_v.i._ to be laborious and penurious:--_pr.p._ scrub'bing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ scrubbed.--_n._ one who works hard and lives meanly: anything small or mean: a worn-out brush: low underwood: a bush: a stunted shrub: a worthless horse.--_p.adj._ SCRUBBED (_Shak._)=_Scrubby_.--_ns._ SCRUB'BER, in Australia, an animal which breaks away from the herd: a machine for washing leather after the tanpit; SCRUB'BING; SCRUB'BING-BOARD, a wash-board; SCRUB'BING-BRUSH, a brush with short, stiff bristles; SCRUB'-BIRD, an Australian bird.--_adj._ SCRUB'BY, laborious and penurious: mean: small: stunted in growth: covered with scrub.--_ns._ SCRUB'-GRASS, the scouring-rush; SCRUB'-OAK, a name of three low American oaks; SCRUB'-RID'ER, one who rides in search of cattle that stray from the herd into the scrub; SCRUB'-ROB'IN, a bird inhabiting the Australian scrub; SCRUB'STONE, a species of calciferous sandstone; SCRUB'-TUR'KEY, a mound-bird; SCRUB'-WOOD, a small tree. [A.S. _scrob_, a shrub.]

SCRUFF, skruf, _n._ the nape of the neck.--Also SKRUFF. [A variant of _scuff_, _scuft_.]

SCRUFFY, skruf'i, _adj._ Same as SCURFY.

SCRUMPTIOUS, skrump'shus, _adj._ (_slang_) nice: fastidious: delightful.

SCRUNCH, skrunsh, _v.t.._ to crunch: to crush.--_n._ a harsh, crunching sound. [A variant of _crunch_.]

SCRUNT, skrunt, _n._ (_Scot._) a niggardly person.

SCRUPLE, skr[=oo]'pl, _n._ a small weight--in apothecaries' weight, 20 troy grains, 1/3 drachm, 1/24 ounce, and 1/288 of a troy pound: a very small quantity: reluctance to decide or act, as from motives of conscience: difficulty.--_v.i._ to hesitate in deciding or acting.--_n._ SCRU'PLER.--_adj._ SCRU'PULOUS, having scruples, doubts, or objections: conscientious: cautious: exact: captious.--_adv._ SCRU'PULOUSLY.--_ns._ SCRU'PULOUSNESS, SCRUPULOS'ITY, state of being scrupulous: doubt: niceness: precision. [Fr. _scrupule_--L. _scrupulus_, dim. of _scrupus_, a sharp stone, anxiety.]

SCRUTINY, skr[=oo]'ti-ni, _n._ careful or minute inquiry: critical examination: an examination of the votes given at an election for the purpose of correcting the poll: in the early Church, the examination in Lent of the Catechumens: (_R.C._) one of the methods of electing a pope, the others being _acclamation_ and _accession_.--_adj._ SCRU'TABLE.--_ns._ SCRUT[=A]'TION, scrutiny; SCRUT[=A]'TOR, a close examiner.--_v.t.._ SCRU'TINATE, to examine: to investigate.--_n._ SCRUTINEER', one who makes a scrutiny, or minute search or inquiry.--_v.t.._ SCRU'TINISE, to search minutely or closely: to examine carefully or critically: to investigate.--_n._ SCRU'TINISER.--_adj._ SCRU'TINOUS.--_adv._ SCRU'TINOUSLY.--SCRUTIN-DE-LISTE, a method of voting for the French Chamber of Deputies, in which the voter casts his ballot for the whole number of deputies allotted to his department, choosing the candidates in any combination he pleases--opp. to SCRUTIN D'ARRONDISSEMENT, in which method the voter votes only for his local candidate or candidates, the arrondissement being the basis of representation. [O. Fr. _scrutine_--L. _scrutinium_--_scrut[=a]ri_, to search even to the rags--_scruta_, rags, trash.]

SCRUTO, skr[=oo]'t[=o], _n._ a movable trap in theatres.

SCRUTOIRE=_Escritoire_ (q.v.).

SCRUZE, skr[=oo]z, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to squeeze. [_Scrouge_.]

SCRY, skr[=i], _v.t._ (_Spens._) to descry:--_pa.t._ scryde. [Formed by aphæresis from _descry_.]

SCRY, skr[=i], _v.t._ (_Scot._) to proclaim.--_n._ a cry: a flock of wild-fowl.

SCUD, skud, _v.i._ to run quickly: (_naut._) to run before the wind in a gale: (_Scot._) to throw flat stones so as to skip along the water.--_v.t._ to skelp: (_Scot._) to slap:--_pr.p._ scud'ding; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ scud'ded.--_n._ act of moving quickly: loose, vapoury clouds driven swiftly along: a swift runner: a beach flea: a form of garden hoe: a slap, a sharp stroke.--_n._ SCUD'DER, one who, or that which, scuds. [Scand., Dan. _skyde_, to shoot; cf. A.S. _scé[=o]tan_, to shoot.]

SCUDDICK, skud'ik, _n._ (_slang_) anything of small value: a shilling.--Also SCUTT'OCK.

SCUDDLE, skud'l, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to drudge.--_v.t._ to cleanse: to wash.--_n._ SCUD'LER, a scullion.

SCUDO, sk[=oo]'d[=o], _n._ an Italian silver coin of different values, usually worth about 4s.: the space within the outer rim of the bezel of a ring:--_pl._ SCU'DI. [It.,--L. _scutum_, a shield.]

SCUFF, skuf, _n._ (_prov._) a form of _scruff_ or _scuft_.

SCUFF, skuf, _v.i._ to shuffle along the ground.--_v.t._ (_Scot._) to graze slightly. [Sw. _skuffa_, to shove.]

SCUFF, skuf, _n._ a scurf: a scale.

SCUFFLE, skuf'l, _v.i._ to struggle closely: to fight confusedly.--_n._ a struggle in which the combatants grapple closely: any confused contest.--_n._ SCUFF'LER, one who, or that which, scuffles. [A freq. of Sw. _skuffa_, to shove, _skuff_, a blow.]

SCUFFY, skuf'i, _adj._ having lost the original freshness: shabby, out of elbows, seedy.

SCUFT, skuft, _n._ (_prov._) the nape of the neck.--Also SCUFF, SCRUFF. [Ice. _skopt_, _skoft_, the hair.]

SCULDUDDERY, skul-dud'e-ri, _n._ (_Scot._) grossness, obscenity, bawdry.--_adj._ bawdy.

SCULK. Same as SKULK.

SCULL, skul, _n._ a short, light, spoon-bladed oar: a small boat: a cock-boat.--_v.t._ to propel a boat with a pair of sculls or light oars by one man--in fresh water: to drive a boat onward with one oar, worked like a screw over the stern.--_ns._ SCULL'ER, one who sculls: a small boat rowed by two sculls pulled by one man; SCULL'ING. [Scand.; Ice. _scál_, a hollow, Sw. _skålig_, concave.]

SCULL, skul, _n._ (_Milt._) a shoal of fish. [_Shoal_.]

SCULLERY, skul'[.e]r-i, _n._ the place for dishes and other kitchen utensils. [Skeat explains as _sculler-y_, _sculler_ being a remarkable variant of _swiller_, due to Scand. influence. Others refer to O. Fr. _escuelier_--Low L. _scutellarius_--L. _scutella_, a tray.]

SCULLION, skul'yun, _n._ a servant in the scullery: a servant for drudgery-work: a mean fellow.--_adj._ SCULL'IONLY (_Milt._), like a scullion: low, base. [Not allied to _scullery_. O. Fr. _escouillon_, a dish-clout--L. _scopa_, a broom.]

SCULP, skulp, _v.t._ to carve: to engrave: to flay.--SCULP'SIT, he engraved or carved it--often abbreviated to SC.

SCULPIN, skul'pin, _n._ (_slang_) a mischief-making fellow: a name given to the Dragonet, and also in the United States to various marine species of Cottus or Bull-head.--Also SKUL'PIN.

SCULPTURE, skulp't[=u]r, _n._ the act of carving figures in wood, stone, &c.: carved-work: an engraving.--_v.t._ to carve: to form, as a piece of sculpture.--_n._ SCULP'TOR, one who carves figures:--_fem._ SCULP'TRESS.--_adj._ SCULP'T[=U]RAL, belonging to sculpture.--_adv._ SCULP'T[=U]RALLY.--_adjs._ SCULP'T[=U]RED, carved, engraved: (_bot._, _zool._) having elevated marks on the surface; SCULPT[=U]RESQUE', chiselled: clean cut: statue-like. [Fr.,--L. _sculptura_--_sculp[)e]re_, _sculptum_, to carve.]

SCULSH, skulsh, _n._ rubbish: lollypops.

SCUM, skum, _n._ foam or froth: the extraneous matter rising to the surface of liquids, esp. when boiled or fermented: refuse: offscourings, dregs.--_v.t._ to take the scum from: to skim:--_pr.p._ scum'ming; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ scummed.--_n._ SCUM'MER, an implement used in skimming.--_n.pl._ SCUM'MINGS, skimmings.--_adj._ SCUM'MY, covered with scum. [Scand., Dan. _skum_, froth; Ger. _schaum_, foam.]

SCUMBER, skum'b[.e]r, _v.i._ to defecate, a hunting term applied to foxes.--_n._ fox-dung.--Also SCOM'BER. [Prob. O. Fr. _escumbrier_, to disencumber.]

SCUMBLE, skum'bl, _v.t._ to apply opaque or semi-opaque colours very thinly over other colours, to modify the effect.--_n._ SCUM'BLING, a mode of obtaining a softened effect in painting by overlaying too bright colours with a very thin coating of a neutral tint. [Freq. of _scum_.]

SCUN, skun, _v.i._ to skim, as a stone thrown aslant on the water.--_v.t._ to cause to skip.--Also SCON, SCOON. [Scand., prob. _skunna_; Dan. _skynde_, to hasten.]

SCUNNER, skun'[.e]r, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to become nauseated: to feel loathing.--_n._ a loathing, any fantastic prejudice. [A.S. _scunian_, to shun.]

SCUP, skup, _n._ (_Amer._) a swing.--_v.i._ to swing. [Dut. _schop_, a swing; Ger. _schupf_, a push.]

SCUP, skup, _n._ a sparoid fish, the porgy.

SCUPPER, skup'[.e]r, _n._ a hole in the side of a ship to carry off water from the deck (often _pl._).--_ns._ SCUPP'ER-HOLE, a scupper; SCUPP'ER-HOSE, a pipe of leather, &c., attached to the mouth of a scupper on the outside, to let the water run out and keep water from entering; SCUPP'ER-PLUG, a plug to stop a scupper. [O. Fr. _escopir_, to spit out--L. _exspu[)e]re_--_ex-_, out, _spu[)e]re_, to spit; or prob. from Dut. _schoppen_, to scoop away.]

SCUPPERNONG, skup'[.e]r-nong, _n._ a cultivated variety of the muscadine, bullace, or southern fox-grape of the United States. [Amer. Ind.]

SCUPPET, skup'et, _n._ a shovel.--Also SCOPP'ET.

SCUR, skur, _v.t._ to graze, to jerk: to scour over.--_v.i._ to flit hurriedly.--Also SKIRR. [A variant of scour.]

SCUR, skur, _n._ (_Scot._) a stunted horn.

SCURF, skurf, _n._ the crust or flaky matter formed on the skin: anything adhering to the surface: scum: a gray bull trout.--_n._ SCURF'INESS.--_adj._ SCURF'Y, having scurf: like scurf. [A.S. _scurf_--_sceorfan_, to scrape; cf. Ger. _schorf_.]

SCURRILOUS, skur'ril-us, _adj._ using scurrility or language befitting a vulgar buffoon: indecent: vile: vulgar: opprobrious: grossly abusive.--_adjs._ SCUR'RIL, SCUR'RILE, buffoon-like: jesting: foul-mouthed: low.--_n._ SCURRIL'ITY, buffoonery: low or obscene jesting: indecency of language: vulgar abuse.--_adv._ SCUR'RILOUSLY.--_n._ SCUR'RILOUSNESS. [L. _scurrilis_--_scurra_, a buffoon.]

SCURRIT, skur'it, _n._ (_prov._) the lesser tern.

SCURRY, skur'i, _v.i._ to hurry along: to scamper.--_n._ a flurry--also SKURR'Y.--_n._ HURR'Y-SCURR'Y, heedless haste. [An extended form of _scour_.]

SCURVY, skur'vi, _adj._ scurfy: affected with scurvy: scorbutic: shabby: vile, vulgar, contemptible.--_n._ a disease marked by livid spots on the skin and general debility, due to an improper dietary, and particularly an insufficient supply of fresh vegetable food.--_adv._ SCUR'VILY, in a scurvy manner: meanly, basely.--_ns._ SCUR'VINESS, state of being scurvy: meanness; SCUR'VY-GRASS, a genus of cruciferous plants, efficacious in curing scurvy. [_Scurf_.]

SCUSE, sk[=u]s, _n._ and _v._=_Excuse_.

SCUT, skut, _adj._ having a short tail like a hare's.

SCUTAGE, sk[=u]'t[=a]j, _n._ a tax, instead of personal service, which a vassal or tenant owed to his lord, sometimes levied by the crown in feudal times.--Also ES'CUAGE. [O. Fr. _escuage_--L. _scutum_, shield.]

SCUTATE, sk[=u]t'[=a]t, _adj._ (_bot._) shaped like a round shield: (_zool._) having the surface protected by large scales. [L. _scut[=a]tus_--_scutum_, shield.]

SCUTCH, skuch, _v.t._ to beat: to separate from the core, as flax.--_n._ a coarse tow that separates from flax in scutching.--_ns._ SCUTCH'ER, one who dresses hedges: an implement used in scutching, esp. a beater in a flax-scutching machine, &c.; SCUTCH'ING-SWORD, a beating instrument in scutching flax by hand. [Prob. O. Fr. _escousser_, to shake off--Low L. _excuss[=a]re_--L. _excut[)e]re_, to shake off.]

SCUTCHEON, SCUTCHIN, skuch'un, -in, _n._ (_Spens._) escutcheon, shield, device on a shield. [_Escutcheon_.]

SCUTE, sk[=u]t, _n._ a shield: (_zool._) a large scale, a plate, as the dermal scutes of a ganoid fish, a turtle, &c. [O. Fr. _escut_--L. _scutum_, a shield.]

SCUTELLA, sk[=u]-tel'a, _n._ a genus of flat sea-urchins.--_adj._ SC[=U]'TELLAR.--_n._ SCUTELL[=A]'RIA, a genus of gamopetalous plants, known as skullcaps.--_adjs._ SC[=U]'TELLATE, -D, noting the foot of a bird when it is provided with the plates called scutella.--_ns._ SCUTELL[=A]'TION; SCUTELL'ERA, a group-name for the true bugs (_Scutelleridæ_).--_adjs._ SCUTELL'IFORM, scutellate; SCUTELLIG'EROUS, provided with a scutellum; SCUTELLIPLAN'TAR, having the back of the tarsus scutellate.--_n._ SCUTELL'UM (_bot._, _entom._), a little shield:--_pl._ SCUTELL'A.--_n.pl._ SCUTIBRANCHI[=A]'TA, an order of gasteropod mollusca.--_n._ SC[=U]'TIFER, a shield-bearer.--_adjs._ SCUTIF'EROUS, bearing a shield: (_zool._) scutigerous; SC[=U]'TIFORM, having the form of a shield.--_n._ SCUTIG'ERA, a common North American species of centipede.--_adjs._ SCUTIG'EROUS, provided with a scute or scuta; SC[=U]'TIPED, having the shanks scaly, of birds. [L., dim. of _scutra_, a platter.]

SCUTTER, skut'[.e]r, _v.i._ to run hastily: to scurry.--_n._ a hasty run. [A variant of _Scuttle_ (3).]

SCUTTLE, skut'l, _n._ a shallow basket: a vessel for holding coal. [A.S. _scutel_--L. _scutella_, a salver, dim. of _scutra_, a dish.]

SCUTTLE, skut'l, _n._ the openings or hatchways of a ship: a hole through the hatches or in the side or bottom of a ship.--_v.t._ to cut holes through any part of a ship: to sink a ship by cutting holes in it.--_ns._ SCUTT'LE-BUTT, -CASK, a cask with a hole cut in it for the cup or dipper, for holding drinking-water in a ship; SCUTT'LE-FISH, a cuttle-fish. [O. Fr. _escoutille_, a hatchway (Sp. _escotilla_), from Dut. _schoot_, the lap; Ger. _schoss_, bosom, a lap.]

SCUTTLE, skut'l, _v.i._ to scud or run with haste: to hurry.--_n._ a quick run: a mincing gait.--Also SCUDD'LE, SKUTT'LE. [_Scud_.]

SCUTTLER, skut'l[.e]r, _n._ the striped lizard.

SCUTTOCK. Same as SCUDDICK.

SCUTULUM, sk[=u]'t[=u]-lum, _n._ one of the shield-shaped crusts of favus. [L., dim. of _scutum_, a shield.]

SCUTUM, sk[=u]'tum, _n._ a shield belonging to the heavy-armed Roman legionaries: a penthouse: (_anat._) the knee-pan: (_zool._) a large scale. [L.]

SCYE, s[=i], _n._ the armhole of a garment. [Prob. _sey_--O. Fr. _sier_, to cut--L. _sec[=a]re_, to cut.]

SCYLLA, sil'a, _n._ a six-headed monster who sat over a dangerous rock on the Italian side of the Straits of Messina, over against the whirlpool of CHARYB'DIS on the Sicilian side.--_n._ SCYLLÆA (sil-[=e]'a), a genus of nudibranchiate gasteropods.--_n.pl._ SCYLLAR'IDÆ (-d[=e]), a family of long-tailed, ten-footed marine crustaceans.

SCYLLIDÆ, sil'i-d[=e], _n.pl._ a family of selachians, the typical genus _Scyllium_, including the dog-fish. [Gr. _skylion_, a dog-fish.]

SCYMNIDÆ, sim'ni-d[=e], _n.pl._ the sleeper-sharks.--_n._ SCYM'NUS, a genus of lady-birds: a genus of sharks. [Gr. _skymnos_, a whelp.]

SCYPHIDIUM, sif-id'i-um, _n._ a genus of ciliate infusorians. [Gr. _skyphos_, a cup.]

SCYPHOMEDUSÆ, sif-o-med'[=u]-s[=e], _n.pl._ a prime division of hydrozoans or a sub-class of Hydrozoa.

SCYPHUS, s[=i]f'us, _n._ in Greek antiquities, a large drinking-cup: (_bot._) a cup-shaped appendage to a flower.--_adj._ SCYPH'IFORM.

SCYTALE, sit'a-l[=e], _n._ in Greek antiquities, a strip of parchment used for secret messages: the name of a coral snake.--_n._ SCYTAL[=I]'NA, a remarkable genus of eel-like fishes. [Gr. _skytal[=e]_, a staff.]

SCYTHE, s[=i]th, _n._ a kind of sickle: an instrument with a large curved blade for mowing grass, &c.--_v.t._ to cut with a scythe, to mow.--_adj._ SCYTHED, armed with scythes.--_ns._ SCYTHE'MAN, one who uses a scythe; SCYTHE'-STONE, a whet for scythes. [A.S. _síthe_; Ice. _sigdhr_. Low Ger. _seged_.]

SCYTHIAN, sith'i-an, _adj._ pertaining to an ancient nomadic race in the northern parts of Asia.--_n._ one belonging to this race.--_adj._ SCYTH'IC.

SCYTHROPS, s[=i]'throps, _n._ a genus of Australian horn-billed cuckoos. [Gr. _skythros_, angry, _[=o]ps_, face.]