Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Scum
Scum
(skŭm)
, Noun.
[Of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. & Sw. ,
skum
, Icel. skūm
, LG. schum
, D. schuim
, OHG. scūm
, G. schaum
; probably from a root meaning, to cover. √158. Cf. Hide
skin, Meerschaum
, Skim
, Verb.
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
as 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
,Verb.
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
,Verb.
I.
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Scum
SCUM
,Noun.
1. The extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquors in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by other means. The word is also applied to the scoria of metals.
2. The refuse; the recrement; that which is vile or worthless.
The great and the innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of the people.