Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Scurf
Scurf
,Noun.
[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
Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire
Shone with a glossy
scurf
. Milton.
4.
(Bot.)
Minute membranous scales on the surface of some leaves, as in the goosefoot.
Gray.
Webster 1828 Edition
Scurf
SCURF
,Noun.
1. A dry military scab or crust formed on the skin of an animal.
2. The soil or foul remains of any thing adherent; as the scurf of crimes. [Not common nor elegant.] Dryden.
3. Any thing adhering to the surface.
There stood a hill, whose grisly top Shone with a glossy scurf. Milton.