Category:Scum

Scum, n. Etym: [of scand. origin; cf. Dan. & sw. skum, icel. sk, lg. Schum, d. schuim, ohg. sc, g. schaum; probably from a root meaning, To cover. sq. root158. Cf. Hide skin, meerschaum, skim, v., Sky.]

1. The extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of Liquids in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by Other means; also, the scoria of metals in a molten state; dross. Some to remove the scum it did rise. Spenser.

2. refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless. The great and innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of the People. Addison.

Scum Scum, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scummed; p. pr. & vb. n. Scumming.]

1. To take the scum from; to clear off the impure matter from the Surface of; to skim. You that scum the molten lead. Dryden & lee.

2. To sweep or range over the surface of. [obs.] Wandering up and down without certain seat, they lived by scumming Those seas and shores as pirates. Milton.

Scum Scum, v. i.

Defn: to form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also used Figuratively. Life, and the interest of life, have stagnated and scummed over. A. K. H. Boyd.