Part 8

SCIMITAR, sim'i-tar, _n._ a short, single-edged curved sword, broadest at the point end, used by the Turks and Persians.--_n._ SCIM'ITAR-POD, a strong, shrubby climber of the tropics. [O. Fr. _cimeterre_--Old It. _cimitara_--Turk.,--Pers. _shimsh[=i]r_ (perh. 'lion's claw,' _sham_, a claw, _sh[=i]r_, _sher_, a lion); or perh. through Sp. _cimitarra_, from Basque _cimeterra_, something 'with a fine edge.']

SCINCOID, sing'koid, _n._ one of a family of saurian reptiles, the typical genus of which is the SCIN'CUS or skink.--_adjs._ like a skink. [L. _scincus_--Gr. _skingkos_, a kind of lizard, _eidos_, form.]

SCINDAPSUS, sin-dap'sus, _n._ a genus of climbing plants.

SCINTILLA, sin-til'a, _n._ a spark: a glimmer: the least particle: a trace: a genus of bivalve molluscs: a genus of lepidopterous insects.--_adjs._ SCIN'TILLANT; SCIN'TILLANTE (_mus._), brilliant.--_v.i._ SCIN'TILLATE, to throw out sparks: to sparkle.--_n._ SCINTILL[=A]'TION, act of throwing out sparks: shining with a twinkling light.--_adj._ SCINTILLES'CENT, scintillating feebly.--_n._ SCINTILLOM'ETER, an instrument for measuring the intensity of scintillation of the stars. [L., a spark.]

SCIOGRAPHY, s[=i]-og'ra-fi, _n._ Same as SCIAGRAPHY.

SCIOLISM, s[=i]'[=o]-lizm, _n._ superficial knowledge.--_n._ SC[=I]'OLIST, one who knows anything superficially: a pretender to science.--_adjs._ SC[=I]OLIS'TIC, pertaining to, or partaking of, sciolism: pertaining to, or resembling, a sciolist; SC[=I]'OLOUS. [L. _sciolus_, dim. of _scius_, knowing--_sc[=i]re_, to know.]

SCIOLTO, shi-ol't[=o], _adj._ (_mus._) free, unrestrained. [It.]

SCIOMACHY, s[=i]-om'a-ki, _n._ a battle or fighting with shadows: imaginary or futile combat.--Also SCIAM'ACHY. [Gr. _skiamachia_, _skiomachia_--_skia_, shadow, _mach[=e]_, battle.]

SCIOMANCY, s[=i]'[=o]-man-si, _n._ divination by means of the shades of the dead.

SCION, s[=i]'on, _n._ a cutting or twig for grafting: a young member of a family: a descendant. [O. Fr. _sion_, _cion_--L. _section-em_, a cutting--_sec[=a]re_, to cut.]

SCIOPTIC, s[=i]-op'tik, _adj._ noting a certain optical arrangement for forming images in a darkened room, consisting of a globe with a lens fitted to a camera, and made to turn like the eye--also SCIOP'TRIC.--_ns._ SCIOP'TICON; SCIOP'TICS. [Gr. _skia_, shadow, _optikos_, pertaining to sight.]

SCIOTHEISM, s[=i]'[=o]-th[=e]-izm, _n._ ancestor-worship.

SCIOTHERIC. Same as SCIATHERIC (q.v.).

SCIOUS, sc[=i]'us, _adj._ (_obs._) knowing.

SCIRE FACIAS, s[=i]'re f[=a]'shi-as, _n._ (_law_) a writ to enforce the execution of judgments, or to quash them.

SCIRPUS, sir'pus, _n._ a genus of monocotyledonous plants, including the bulrushes. [L., a rush.]

SCIRRHUS, skir'us, or sir'us, _n._ (_med._) a hardened gland forming a tumour: a hardening, esp. that preceding cancer.--_adjs._ SCIRR'HOID, resembling scirrhus; SCIRR'HOUS, hardened, proceeding from scirrhus. [L.,--Gr. _skirros_, _skiros_, a tumour.]

SCIRTOPOD, sir't[=o]-pod, _adj._ having limbs fitted for leaping.--_n.pl._ SCIRTOP'ODA, an order of saltatorial rotifers. [Gr. _skirtan_, leap, _pous_, foot.]

SCISCITATION, sis-i-t[=a]'shun, _n._ (_obs._) the act of inquiry: demand. [L.,--_sciscit[=a]ri_, to inquire--_scisc[)e]re_, to seek to know--_sc[=i]re_, to know.]

SCISSEL, sis'el, _n._ the clippings of various metals: scrap--also SCISS'IL. [O. Fr. _cisaille_--_ciseler_--_cisel_, a chisel (q.v.). The spelling has been adapted in the interests of a fancied connection with L. _scind[)e]re_, _scissum_, to divide.]

SCISSORS, siz'orz, _n.pl._ a cutting instrument consisting of two blades fastened at the middle: shears.--_v.i._ SCISE, s[=i]z (_obs._), to cut: to penetrate.--_adjs._ SCISS'IBLE, SCISS'ILE, capable of being cut.--_ns._ SCIS'SION, the act of cutting: division: splitting; SCISSIPAR'ITY, reproduction by fission.--_v.t._ SCISS'OR, to cut with scissors.--_ns._ SCISS'OR-BILL, a skimmer; SCISS'OR-TAIL, an American bird, the scissor-tailed fly-catcher; SCISS'OR-TOOTH, the sectorial tooth of a carnivore which cuts against its fellow; SCISS[=U]'RA (_anat._), a fissure, a cleft; SCIS'SURE, a cleft: a fissure: a rupture: a division; SCISSUREL'LA, a genus of gasteropods with a shell deeply cut. [Formerly written _cisors_--O. Fr. _cisoires_, conn. with Fr. _ciseaux_, scissors, from Late L. _cisorium_, a cutting instrument--L. _cæd[)e]re_, _cæsum_, to cut.]

SCIURIDÆ, s[=i]-[=u]'ri-d[=e], _n._ a family of rodent mammals containing the squirrels and their allies.--_adjs._ SC[=I]'[=U]RINE, SC[=I]'[=U]ROID.--_ns._ SCI[=U]ROP'TERUS, one of two genera of flying squirrels; SCI[=U]'RUS, a genus of _Sciuridæ_, the arboreal squirrels. [Gr. _skiouros_.]

SCLATE, skl[=a]t, _n._ an obs. or prov. form of _slate_.

SCLAVE, SCLAVONIAN, &c. See SLAV, SLAVONIC.

SCLERA, skl[=e]'ra, _n._ the sclerotic coat of the eye-ball.--_n._ SCL[=E]'RAGOGY, severe discipline.--_adj._ SCL[=E]'RAL.--_ns._ SCL[=E]RAN'THUS, a genus of apetalous plants, including the knawel or German knot-grass; SCLERE, in sponges, a skeletal element; SCL[=E]RENCH'YMA, the hard parts of corals or plants.--_adj._ SCLERENCHYM'ATOUS.--_ns._ SCL[=E]'RIA, a genus of monocotyledonous plants, of the sedge family; SCLER[=I]'ASIS, sclerodermia; SCL[=E]'RITE, any hard part of the integument of arthropods.--_adj._ SCLERIT'IC.--_n._ SCL[=E]'ROBASE, a dense corneous mass, as in red coral.--_adj._ SCLEROB[=A]'SIC.--_ns._ SCL[=E]ROBR[=A]'CHIA, an order of brachiopods; SCL[=E]'RODERM, hardened integument or exo-skeleton, esp. of a coral: a madrepore.--_n.pl._ SCLERODER'MATA, the scaly reptiles: the madrepores.--_n._ SCL[=E]RODER'MIA, a chronic non-inflammatory affection of the skin, which becomes thick and rigid.--_adjs._ SCLERODER'MIC, SCLERODER'MOUS, SCLERODERMIT'IC.--_ns._ SCLERODER'MITE; SCL[=E]'ROGEN, the thickening matter of woody cells, as in walnut-shells, &c.--_adjs._ SCLEROG'ENOUS, producing sclerous tissue: mail-cheeked, as a fish; SCL[=E]'ROID, hard, scleritic.--_ns._ SCL[=E]R[=O]'MA, sclerosis; SCL[=E]ROM[=E]'NINX, the dura mater; SCL[=E]ROM'ETER, an instrument for measuring the hardness of a mineral.--_adjs._ SCL[=E]R[=O]'SAL, SCL[=E]'ROSED.--_ns._ SCL[=E]R[=O]'SIS, a hardening: (_bot._) the induration of a tissue; SCL[=E]ROS'TOMA, a genus of nematode worms; SCL[=E]R[=O]'TAL, a bone of the eye-ball.--_adj._ relating to such.--_adj._ SCL[=E]ROT'IC, hard, firm, applied esp. to the outer membrane of the eye-ball: pertaining to sclerosis: relating to ergot.--_n._ the outermost membrane of the eye-ball.--_ns._ SCL[=E]ROT[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the sclerotic; SCL[=E]R[=O]'TIUM, a hard, multicellular tuber-like body formed towards the end of the vegetative season by the close union of the ordinary mycelial filaments of Fungi.--_adjs._ SCL[=E]'ROUS, hard or indurated: ossified or bony; SCL[=E]RUR'INE, having stiff, hard tail-feathers, as a bird of the genus _Sclerurus_. [Gr. _skl[=e]ros_, hard.]

SCOAT, sk[=o]t, _v.t._ to prop, to block, to scotch, as a wheel.--Also SCOTE. [O. Fr. _ascouter_--_ascot_, a branch--Teut., Old High Ger. _scuz_, a shoot; Ger. _schuss_.]

SCOBBY, skob'i, _n._ the chaffinch.--Also SC[=O]'BY.

SCOBS, skobz, _n._ sawdust: shavings: dross of metals.--_adj._ SCOB'IFORM, resembling sawdust or raspings.--_n._ SCOB[=I]'NA, the pedicle of the spikelets of grasses. [L. _scobis_--_scab[)e]re_, to scrape.]

SCOFF, skof, _v.t._ to mock: to treat with scorn.--_v.i._ to show contempt or scorn: to deride, taunt, gibe.--_n._ an expression of scorn or contempt: an object of scoffing.--_n._ SCOFF'ER.--_adv._ SCOFF'INGLY, in a scoffing manner: with mockery or contempt. [Old Fris. _schof_; Ice. _skaup_, cf. Old Dut. _schoppen_, to scoff.]

SCOGANISM, sk[=o]'gan-izm, _n._ a scurrilous jesting. [From _Scogan_, the name of a famous jester.]

SCOGIE, sk[=o]'ji, _n._ (_Scot._) a kitchen drudge.

SCOLD, sk[=o]ld, _v.i._ to rail in a loud and violent manner: to find fault.--_v.t._ to chide rudely: to rebuke in words.--_n._ a rude, clamorous woman: a termagant.--_ns._ SCOLD'ER; SCOLD'ING, railing: a rating; SCOLD'ING-STOOL, a cucking-stool. [Old Dut. _scheldan_; Ger. _schelten_, to brawl, to scold.]

SCOLECIDA, sk[=o]-les'i-da, _n._ a class of worms consisting of the wheel-animalcules, turbellarians, trematode worms, &c.--_adj._ SCOLEC'IFORM.--_ns._ SCOLEC[=I]'NA, a group of annelids typified by the earth-worm--also SCOLE[=I]'NA; SCOL'EC[=I]TE, a hydrous silicate of aluminium and calcium.--_adjs._ SCOL[=E]'COID, like a scolex; SCOL[=E]COPH'AGOUS, worm-eating, as a bird.--_n._ SCOLECOPH'AGUS, a genus of birds including the maggot-eaters or rusty grackles.--_n.pl._ SCOLECOPHID'IA, a division of angiostomous serpents.--_adj._ SCOLECOPHID'IAN, worm-like, as a snake.--_n._ SC[=O]'LEX, the embryo of an entozoic worm. [Gr. _sk[=o]l[=e]x_, a worm.]

SCOLIA, sk[=o]-li-a, _n._ a genus of fossorial hymenopterous insects. [Gr. _sk[=o]los_, a prickle.]

SCOLIODON, sk[=o]-l[=i]'[=o]-don, _n._ the genus containing the oblique-toothed sharks. [Gr. _skolios_, oblique, _odous_, _odontis_, a tooth.]

SCOLISOIS, skol-i-[=o]'sis, _n._ lateral curvature of the spinal column.--_adj._ SCOLIOT'IC. [Gr.,--_skolios_, oblique.]

SCOLITE, sk[=o]'l[=i]t, _n._ a fossil worm or its trace. [Gr. _skolios_, oblique.]

SCOLLOP. Same as SCALLOP.

SCOLOPACEOUS, skol-[=o]-p[=a]'shi-us, _adj._ resembling a snipe.--_n.pl._ SCOLOPAC'IDÆ, a family of wading-birds containing snipes, &c.--_adjs._ SCOL'OPACINE, SCOL'OPACOID.--_n._ SCOL'OPAX. [L. _scolopax_, a snipe.]

SCOLOPENDRA, skol-[=o]-pen'dra, _n._ a genus of _Myriapoda_, having a long, slender, depressed body, protected by coriaceous plates, and having at least twenty-one pairs of legs: (_Spens._) an imaginary fish or sea-monster.--_adj._ SCOLOPEN'DRIFORM, SCOLOPEN'DRINE.--_n._ SCOLOPEN'DRIUM, a genus of asplenioid ferns, generally called _Hart's-tongue_. [L.,--Gr. _skolopendra_, a milliped.]

SCOLYTUS, skol'i-tus, _n._ typical genus of SCOLYT'IDÆ, a family of bark beetles.--_adj._ SCOL'YTOID. [Gr. _skolyptein_, to strip.]

SCOMBER, skom'b[.e]r, _n._ a genus of acanthopterygian fishes typical of the family _Scombridæ_, to which belong mackerel, tunnies, bonitos, &c.--_ns._ SCOMBER'ESOX, the mackerel pikes, saury pikes, or sauries; SCOMBEROM'ORUS, the Spanish mackerel and related species.--_adjs._ SCOM'BRIFORM, SCOM'BRID, -AL, SCOM'BROID. [L.,--Gr. _skombros_, a mackerel.]

SCOMFISH, skom'fish, _v.t._ (_Scot._) to suffocate by bad air: to nauseate: to discomfit.--_v.i._ to be suffocated. [A corr. of obs. _scomfit_=_discomfit_.]

SCOMM, skom, _n._ (_obs._) a flout: a buffoon. [L. _scomma_--Gr. _sk[=o]mma_, a jest.]

SCONCE, skons, _n._ a bulwark: a small fort: a protective headpiece, hence the head, the skull, brains, wits: a covered stall: a fine: a seat in an old-fashioned open chimney-place, a chimney-seat: a fragment of an icefloe.--_v.t._ to fortify: to tax, to fine lightly, at Oxford and Cambridge, for some irregularity. [O. Fr. _esconcer_, to conceal--L. _abscond[)e]re_, _absconsum_.]

SCONCE, skons, _n._ the part of a candlestick for the candle: a hanging candlestick with a mirror to reflect the light: a lantern. [O. Fr. _esconse_--Low L. _absconsa_, a dark-lantern--_abscond[)e]re_, to hide.]

SCONCHEON. Same as SQUINCH.

SCONE, sk[=o]n, _n._ (_Scot._) a soft cake fired on a griddle. [Perh. Gael. _sgonn_, a shapeless mass.]

SCOON, sk[=oo]n, _v.t._ to skim along like a vessel: (_Scot._) to skip flat stones on the surface of water. [_Scun_.]

SCOOP, sk[=oo]p, _v.t._ to lift up, as water, with something hollow: to empty with a ladle: to make hollow: to dig out: to dredge for grain: to get before a rival newspaper in publishing some important piece of news.--_n._ anything hollow for scooping: a large hollow shovel or ladle: a banker's shovel: a coal-scuttle: a haul of money made in speculation: a place hollowed out: a sweeping stroke: (_Scot._) the peak of a cap: the act of beating another newspaper in publishing some news.--_ns._ SCOOP'ER, an engraver's tool; SCOOP'ING, the action of the right whale in feeding; SCOOP'-NET, a hand-net; SCOOP'-WHEEL, a wheel having buckets attached to its circumference, used for raising water. [Prob. Scand., Sw. _skopa_, a scoop; or Old Dut. _schoepe_, a shovel, Ger. _schüppe_, a shovel.]

SCOOT, sk[=oo]t, _v.i._ to make off with celerity.--_v.t._ (_Scot._) to squirt.--_n._ a sudden flow of water: a squirt. [A variant of _shoot_.]

SCOPA, sk[=o]'pa, _n._ (_entom._) a mass of stiff hairs like a brush.--_n._ SCOP[=A]'RIA, a genus of pyralid moths: a genus of gamopetalous plants--the West Indian _sweet bromweed_.--_adjs._ SCOP[=A]'RIOUS, scopiform; SC[=O]'PATE, covered with stiff hairs; SC[=O]PIF'EROUS, brushy; SC[=O]'PIFORM, broom-shaped.--_ns._ SCOP'ULA (_entom._), a small brush-like organ; SCOPUL[=A]'RIA, in a sponge, the besom-shaped spicule.--_adjs._ SCOP'[=U]LATE, broom-shaped; SCOP'[=U]LIFORM, scopiform; SCOP'[=U]LIPED, SC[=O]'PIPED, having brushy feet, as solitary bees. [L. _scopa_, twigs.]

SCOPE, sk[=o]p, _n._ that which one sees, space as far as one can see: room or opportunity for free outlook: space for action: the end before the mind: intention: length of cable at which a vessel rides at liberty: a target.--_adjs._ SCOPE'FUL, with a wide prospect; SCOPE'LESS, purposeless, useless. [It. _scopo_--Gr. _skopos_--_skopein_, to view.]

SCOPE, sk[=o]p, _n._ (_obs._) a bundle, as of twigs. [L. _scopa_, twigs.]

SCOPELIDÆ, sk[=o]-pel'i-d[=e], _n.pl._ a family of deep-water teleostean fishes, the typical genus SCOP'ELUS. [Gr. _skopelos_, a rock.]

SCOPIDÆ, skop'i-d[=e], _n.pl._ an African family of wading-birds, as the shadow-birds, the typical genus SC[=O]'PUS.

SCOPIOUS, sk[=o]'pi-us, _adj._ (_obs._) spacious.

SCOPPERIL, skop'e-ril, _n._ a top: teetotum: the bone-foundation of a button. [Ice. _skoppa_, to spin.]

SCOPS, skops, _n._ the screech-owl. [Gr. _sk[=o]ps_.]

SCOPTIC, skop'tik, _adj._ mocking: jesting. [_Scomm_.]

SCOPULOUS, skop'[=u]-lus, _adj._ full of rocks. [L. _scopulus_--Gr. _skopelos_, a high rock.]

SCORBUTIC, -AL, skor-b[=u]'tik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to, resembling, or diseased with scurvy. [Low L. _scorbutus_, scurvy, prob. from Old Low Ger. _schorbock_, scurvy, Old Dut. _scheurbuyck_, scurvy. Prob. orig. meaning 'rupture of the belly,' for Old Dut. _scheuren_, to tear, _buyck_ (mod. Dut. _buik_), the belly.]

SCORCH, skorch, _v.t._ to burn slightly: to roast highly: to affect painfully with heat: to singe: to attack with virulence.--_v.i._ to be burned on the surface: to be dried up: (_slang_) to ride a bicycle furiously on a public highway.--_ns._ SCORCHED'-CAR'PET, -WING, British geometrid moths; SCORCH'ER, anything that scorches, a very caustic rebuke, criticism, &c.: one who rides a bicycle furiously on a road; SCORCH'ING.--_p.adj._ burning superficially: bitterly sarcastic, scathing.--_adv._ SCORCH'INGLY.--_n._ SCORCH'INGNESS. [O. Fr. _escorcher_, from Low L. _excorticare_--L. _ex_, off, _cortex_, _corticis_, bark; or prob. Scand., Norw. _skrekka_, to shrink.]

SCORDATO, sk[=o]r-dä't[=o], _adj._ (_mus._) put out of tune.--_n._ SCORDAT[=U]'RA, in stringed musical instruments, an intentional departure from the normal tuning. [It.]

SCORE, sk[=o]r, _n._ a mark or notch for keeping count: a line drawn: the number twenty, once represented by a larger notch: a reckoning: a debt: the register of the various points of play in a game: account: reason: the original draught of a musical composition with all the parts, or its transcript.--_v.t._ to mark with notches or lines: to furrow: to set down: to charge: to engrave: to braid: to note: to enter: to make points, &c., in certain games.--_v.i._ to keep, or to run up, a score: to succeed in making points, &c., in a game.--_ns._ SC[=O]R'ER, one who keeps the marks in a game; SC[=O]R'ING, the act of one who, or that which, scores: a deep groove made by glacial action: the act of repeatedly bringing a racer and his rider to the starting-point, so as to get a fair start.--GO OFF AT SCORE, to make a spirited start; PAY OFF OLD SCORES, to repay old grudges; RUN UP A SCORE, to run up a debt. [A.S. _scor_--_sceran_ (pa.p. _scoren_), to shear.]

SCORIA, sk[=o]'ri-a, _n._ dross or slag left from metal or ores after being under fire: a genus of geometrid moths:--_pl._ SC[=O]'RIÆ, volcanic ashes.--_adjs._ SC[=O]'RIAC, SCORI[=A]'CEOUS.--_ns._ SCORIFIC[=A]'TION, the act or operation of reducing a body to scoria: a method of assaying by fusing the ore with metallic lead and borax in a scorifier; SCOR'IF[=I]ER, a flat dish used in such a form of assaying.--_adj._ SC[=O]'RIFORM, like scoria.--_v.t._ SC[=O]'RIFY, to reduce to slag.--_adj._ SC[=O]'RIOUS. [L.,--Gr. _sk[=o]ria_.]

SCORN, skorn, _n._ disdain caused by a mean opinion of anything: extreme contempt: object of contempt.--_v.t._ to hold in extreme contempt: to disdain: to make a mock of.--_v.i._ to scoff: to jeer.--_n._ SCOR'NER, one who scorns: (_B._) one who scoffs at religion: a scoffer.--_adj._ SCORN'FUL, full of scorn: contemptuous: disdainful.--_adv._ SCORN'FULLY.--_ns._ SCORN'FULNESS; SCOR'NING.--LAUGH TO SCORN (_B._), to deride; THINK SCORN, to disdain or despise. [O. Fr. _escarn_, mockery--Old High Ger. _skern_, mockery.]

SCORODITE, skor'[=o]-d[=i]t, _n._ a hydrous arseniate of iron.--Also SKOR'ODITE. [Gr. _skorodon_, _skordon_, garlic.]

SCORPÆNA, skor-p[=e]'na, _n._ a genus of fishes, the typical genus of SCORPÆ'NIDÆ, a family including the rose-fish, the Californian rock-fish, and their allies. [L.,--Gr. _skorpaina_, a fish.]

SCORPER, skor'p[.e]r, _n._ a gouging-chisel [For _scauper_.]

SCORPION, skor'pi-un, _n._ a name applicable to any member of the family _Scorpionidæ_, included along with spiders, mites, &c. in the heterogeneous class _Arachnida_--they have an elongated body, claws like the lobster, and a poisonous sting in the tail: one of the signs of the zodiac: (_B._) a whip with points like a scorpion's tail: an old military engine: any person of virulent hatred or animosity.--_n._ SCOR'PIO, a scorpion: (_astron._) a constellation and the eighth sign of the zodiac.--_adj._ SCOR'PIOID, curled like the tail of a scorpion.--_n._ SCOR'PION-BUG, a large predacious water-beetle.--_n.pl._ SCORPI[=O]'NES, true scorpions, a sub-order of _Arachnida_.--_ns._ SCOR'PION-FISH, a sea-scorpion; SCOR'PION-FLY, an insect having its abdomen curled like a scorpion; SCOR'PION-GRASS, the forget-me-not: the mouse-ear; SCORPION'IDA, an order of _Arachnida_, containing the Scorpiones or true scorpions; SCOR'PION-LOB'STER, a long-tailed crustacean; SCOR'PION-PLANT, a Javan orchid with large creamy flower supposed to resemble a spider; SCOR'PION-SHELL, a gasteropod distinguished by long, channelled spines; SCOR'PION-SP[=I]'DER, a whip-scorpion; SCOR'PION-WORT, a leguminous plant native of southern Europe; SCORPI[=U]'RUS, a genus of leguminous plants named scorpion's tail. [Fr.,--L. _scorpio_--Gr. _skorpios_.]

SCORSE. Same as SCOURSE (2).

SCORTATORY, skor'ta-t[=o]-ri, _adj._ pertaining to lewdness. [L. _scortator_, a fornicator--_scortum_, a whore.]

SCORZA, skor'za, _n._ a variety of epidote. [It.]

SCORZONERA, skor-z[=o]-n[=e]'ra, _n._ a genus of Old World herbs of the Aster family--_Viper's Grass_. [It., _scorza_, bark, _nera_, black, fem. of _nero_--L. _niger_, black.]

SCOT, skot, _n._ a payment, esp. a customary tax--also SHOT.--_adj._ SCOT'-FREE, free from scot or payment: untaxed: unhurt, safe.--SCOT AND LOT, an old legal phrase embracing all parochial assessments for the poor, the church, lighting, cleansing, and watching. [A.S. _scot_, _sceot_--_scéotan_, to shoot.]

SCOT, skot, _n._ a native of _Scotland_: one of the Scoti or Scots, a Celtic race who migrated from Ireland--the original _Scotia_--before the end of the 5th century.--_n._ SC[=O]'TIA, Scotland.--SCOTS GREYS, a famous regiment of dragoons, established in 1683; SCOTS GUARDS, the Scottish force which served the kings of France from 1418 down to the battle of Minden (1759), nominally retained, however, down to 1830: a well-known regiment of Guards in the British army, formerly Scots Fusiliers.--POUND SCOTS, 1s. 8d. [A.S. _Scottas_, the Scots. Further ety. quite uncertain, whether Gael. _sguit_, a wanderer, Gr. _Skyth[=e]s_, a Scythian, &c.]

SCOTCH, skoch, _adj._ pertaining to _Scotland_, its people, language, customs, products, &c.--also SCOT'TISH, SCOTS.--_n._ the dialect of English spoken in Lowland Scotland: (_coll._) Scotch whisky.--_ns._ SCOTCH'-HOP, a child's game: hop-scotch; SCOTCH'MAN, SCOTS'MAN, a native of Scotland.--SCOTCH AMULET, a British geometrid moth; SCOTCH AND ENGLISH, the boys' game of prisoner's base; SCOTCH BARLEY, pot or hulled barley; SCOTCH BLUEBELL, the harebell; SCOTCH BONNETS, the fairy-ring mushroom; SCOTCH BROTH, broth made with pot-barley and plenty of various vegetables chopped small; SCOTCH CAP, the wild black raspberry; SCOTCH CATCH, or SNAP, the peculiarity in Scotch music of the first of two tones played to the same beat being the shorter; SCOTCH CURLIES, a variety of kale; SCOTCH FIR, or PINE, the only species of pine indigenous to Britain, valuable for its timber, turpentine, tar, &c.; SCOTCH KALE, a variety of kale; SCOTCH MIST, a mist like fine rain; SCOTCH PEBBLES, varieties of agate and jasper; SCOTCH THISTLE, the national emblem of Scotland.

SCOTCH, skoch, _v.t._ to cut or wound slightly: to notch.--_n._ a notch, scratch.--_n._ SCOTCH'ING, a method of dressing stone with a pick.--SCOTCHED-COLLOPS, or (erroneously) SCOTCH-COLLOPS, beef-steaks fried with onions. [Related to _scutch_, _scratch_.]

SCOTCH, skoch, _n._ a strut or drag for a wheel.--_v.t._ to prop or block with such.--_n._ SCOTE, a prop.--_v.t._ to stop or block.

SCOTER, sk[=o]'t[.e]r, _n._ a genus of northern sea-ducks, with bill gibbous at the base. [Prob. Ice. _skoti_--_skjóta_, to shoot.]

SCOTIA, sk[=o]'ti-a, _n._ a concave moulding, as the base of a pillar. [Gr. _skotia_,--_skotos_, darkness.]

SCOTICE, skot'i-s[=e], _adv._ in the Scotch language or manner.--_n._ SCOT'ICISM=_Scotticism_.

SCOTISM, sk[=o]'tizm, _n._ the metaphysical system of Johannes Duns _Scotus_, a native of Dunstane in Northumberland, Dun or Down in the north of Ireland, or Dunse in Berwickshire (1265 or 1274-1308), the great assailant of the method of Aquinas in seeking in speculation instead of in practice the foundation of Christian theology--his theological descendants were the Franciscans, in opposition to the Dominicans, who followed Aquinas.--_n._ SC[=O]'TIST, a follower of Duns Scotus.--_adj._ SCOTIS'TIC.

SCOTOGRAPH, skot'[=o]-graf, _n._ an instrument for writing in the dark, or for the use of the blind.--_ns._ SCOT[=O]'MA, a defect in the vision (_obs._ SCOT'OMY); SCOT'OPHIS, a genus of carinated serpents of North America; SCOTOR'NIS, a genus of African birds with very long tails; SCOT'OSCOPE, a night-glass. [Gr. _skotos_, darkness, _graphein_, to write.]

SCOTTICISM, skot'i-sizm, _n._ a Scotch idiom.--_v.t._ SCOTT'ICISE.--_n._ SCOTTIFIC[=A]'TION.--_v.t._ SCOTT'IFY (_coll._), to give Scotch character to.

SCOUNDREL, skown'drel, _n._ a low worthless fellow: a rascal: a man without principle.--_ns._ SCOUN'DRELDOM, scoundrels collectively; SCOUN'DRELISM, baseness, rascality.--_adv._ SCOUN'DRELLY. [For _scunner-el_, one who scunners, or who causes scunnering--A.S. _scunian_, to shun.]

SCOUP, skowp, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to run: to scamper. [Related to _skip_.]

SCOUR, skowr, _v.t._ to clean by rubbing with something rough: to cleanse from grease or dirt: to remove by rubbing: to cleanse by a current: to search thoroughly by scrubbing: to cleanse by brushing: to purge drastically.--_n._ the action of a strong current in a narrow channel: violent purging.--_ns._ SCOUR'AGE, refuse water after scouring; SCOUR'ER, drastic cathartic; SCOUR'ING, in angling, the freshening of angle-worms for bait by putting them in clean sand; SCOUR'ING-BALL, a ball composed of soap, &c., for removing stains of grease.--_n.pl._ SCOUR'ING-DROPS, a mixture of oil of turpentine and oil of lemon used for removing stains.--_ns._ SCOUR'ING-RUSH, one of the horse-tails; SCOUR'ING-STOCK, in woollen manufacture, an apparatus in which cloths are treated to remove the oil and to cleanse them in the process of manufacture. [O. Fr. _escurer_--L. _excur[=a]re_, to take great care of.]

SCOUR, skowr, _v.i._ to run with swiftness: to scurry along.--_v.t._ to run quickly over.--_n._ SCOUR'ER, a footpad. [O. Fr. _escourre_--L. _excurr[)e]re_, to run forth.]

SCOURGE, skurj, _n._ a whip made of leather thongs: an instrument of punishment: a punishment: means of punishment.--_v.t._ to whip severely: to punish in order to correct.--_n._ SCOUR'GER, a flagellant. [O. Fr. _escorgie_ (Fr. _écourgée_)--L. (_scutia_) _excoriata_, (a whip) made of leather--_corium_, leather.]

SCOURSE, sk[=o]rs, _v.i._ (_Spens._) to run: to hurry. [O. Fr. _escourser_--L. _excurr[)e]re_, _excursum_, to run out.]

SCOURSE, sk[=o]rs, _v.t._ to barter, exchange.--_v.i._ to make an exchange.--_n._ (_Spens._) discourse.--Also SCORSE, SCOSS. [Prob. _discourse_.]

SCOUT, skowt, _n._ one sent out to bring in tidings, observe the enemy, &c.: a spy: a sneak: in cricket, a fielder: the act of watching: a bird of the auk family: a college servant at Oxford, the same as _gyp_ in Cambridge and _skip_ in Dublin.--_v.t._ to watch closely.--_n._ SCOUT'-MAS'TER, an officer who has the direction of army scouts. [O. Fr. _escoute_--escouter (It. _ascoltare_)--L. _auscult[=a]re_, to listen--auris, the ear.]

SCOUT, skowt, _v.t._ to sneer at: to reject with disdain.--_adv._ SCOUT'INGLY, sneeringly. [Scand.,--Ice. _skúta_, _skúti_, a taunt--_skjóta_, to shoot.]

SCOUT, skowt, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to pour forth a liquid forcibly, esp. excrement.--_n._ the guillemot.

SCOUTER, skowt'[.e]r, _n._ a workman who uses jump-drills, wedges, &c. to scale off large flakes of stone.

SCOUTH, skowth, _n._ (_Scot._) room: scope, plenty.

SCOUTHER, skow'th[.e]r, _v.t._ (_Scot._) to scorch: to fire hastily, as on a gridiron.

SCOVAN, sk[=o]'van, _n._ a Cornish name for a vein of tin.

SCOVE, sk[=o]v, _v.t._ to cover with clay so as to prevent the escape of heat in burning.

SCOVED, sk[=o]vd, _adj._ (_prov._) smeared or blotched.--Also SC[=O]'VY.

SCOVEL, skuv'l, _n._ (_prov._) a mop for sweeping ovens.

SCOW, skow, _n._ a flat-bottomed boat: a ferry-boat. [Dut. _schouw_.]

SCOWL, skowl, _v.i._ to wrinkle the brows in displeasure: to look sour or angry: to look gloomy.--_n._ the wrinkling of the brows when displeased.--_p.adj._ SCOW'LING.--_adv._ SCOW'LINGLY. [Scand., Dan. _skule_, to scowl; Low Ger. _schulen_, to look slyly.]

SCOWL, skowl, _n._ (_prov._) old workings of iron ore.

SCOWTHER, SCOUTHER, skow'th[.e]r, _n._ (_prov._) a flying shower.

SCRAB, skrab, _n._ a crab-apple.

SCRABBLE, skrab'l, _v.i._ to scrape or make unmeaning marks, to scrawl: to scramble or crawl along with difficulty.--_v.t._ to gather hastily.--_n._ a scramble.--_v.t._ SCRAB, to scratch, to scrape.--SCRABBED EGGS, a dish of hard-boiled eggs chopped up and seasoned. [A form of _scrapple_, freq. of _scrape_.]

SCRAFFLE, skraf'l, _v.i._ to scramble: to wrangle: to be industrious: to shuffle. [A form of _scrabble_ or _scramble_.]

SCRAG, skrag, _n._ anything thin or lean and rough: the bony part of the neck.--_v.t._ to put to death by hanging.--_adjs._ SCRAG'GED, SCRAG'GY, lean and rough: uneven, rugged.--_ns._ SCRAG'GEDNESS, SCRAG'GINESS.--_adv._ SCRAG'GILY.--_adjs._ SCRAG'GLY, rough-looking; SCRAG'-NECKED, having a long, thin neck.--_n._ SCRAG'-WHALE, a finner whale, having the back scragged. [Scand., Sw. prov. _shraka_, a tall tree or man, _shrokk_, anything shrivelled--Norw. _skrekka_, to shrink.]

SCRAICH, SCRAIGH, skr[=a]h, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to scream hoarsely: to screech, to shriek.--_n._ SCRAICH. [Gael. _sgreach_.]

SCRAMB, skramb, _v.t._ (_prov._) to scrape together with the hands. [A variant of _scramp_.]

SCRAMBLE, skram'bl, _v.i._ to struggle to seize something before others: to catch at or strive for rudely: to wriggle along on all-fours.--_v.t._ to throw down to be scrambled for: to advance or push.--_n._ act of scrambling: a struggle for office.--_n._ SCRAM'BLER.--_adj._ SCRAM'BLING, confused and irregular.--_adv._ SCRAM'BLINGLY, in a scrambling manner: irregularly: unceremoniously. [Prov. Eng. _scramb_, to rake together with the hands, or _scramp_, to snatch at; nearly allied to _scrabble_ and _scrape_.]

SCRAMP, skramp, _v.t._ to catch at, snatch. [_Scramble_.]

SCRAN, skran, _n._ broken victuals: refuse--also SKRAN.--_n._ SCRAN'NING, the act of begging for food.--BAD SCRAN TO YOU! bad fare to you! an Irish imprecation. [Prob. Ice. _skran_, rubbish.]

SCRANCH, skransh, _v.t._ to grind with the teeth: to crunch.--Also SCRAUNCH, SCRUNCH. [Prob. Dut. _schransen_, to eat heartily.]

SCRANKY, skrank'i, _adj._ (_Scot._) scraggy: lank.

SCRANNEL, skran'l, _adj._ (_Milt._) producing a weak, screeching noise: thin: squeaking.

SCRANNY, skran'i, _adj._ (_prov._) lean and thin.