Etymology

from the Scandinavian languages schratz or skratti meaning a demon in Norse mythology; from Middle English scrat meaning wizard, goblin or monster, scratten meaning scratch and used as a surname; from Old Norse skratte meaning wizard or goblin; from the Swedish language skratte meaning scratch; High German languages scrato, schrate or schratze meaning evil spirit; in Modern English Old Scratch used chiefly in Southern American English and Midland American English meaning the Devil or Satan.