Category:Scurf

Scurf, n. Etym: [as. scurf, sceorf, or from scand.; cf. Sw. skorf, Dan. skurv, icel. skurfur, d. schurft, g. schorf; all akin to as. Scurf, and to as. sceorfan to scrape, to gnaw, g. schürfen to scrape, And probably also to e. scrape. Cf. Scurvy.]

1. Thin dry scales or scabs upon the body; especially, thin scales Exfoliated from the cuticle, particularly of the scalp; dandruff.

2. Hence, the foul remains of anything adherent. The scurf is worn away of each committed crime. Dryden.

3. Anything like flakes or scales adhering to a surface. There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top belched fire and rolling Smoke; the rest entire shone with a glossy scurf. Milton.

4. (bot.)

Defn: minute membranous scales on the surface of some leaves, as in The goosefoot. Gray.