GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Scum (skŭm), n. [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, v., Sky.]
   
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   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.
   
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   Some to remove the scum as it did rise. Spenser.
   
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   2. refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless.
   
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   The great and innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of the people. Addison.
   
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2.       
   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.
   
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   You that scum the molten lead. Dryden & Lee.
   
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   2. To sweep or range over the surface of. [Obs.]
   
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   Wandering up and down without certain seat, they lived by scumming those seas and shores as pirates. Milton.
   
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3.       
   Scum, v. i. To form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also used figuratively.
   
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   Life, and the interest of life, have stagnated and scummed over. A. K. H. Boyd.
   
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