scur

n. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, the foul remains of anything adherent. [ 1913 Webster ]

The scurf is worn away of each committed crime. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Anything like flakes or scales adhering to a surface. [ 1913 Webster ]

There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top
Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire
Shone with a glossy scurf. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Bot.) Minute membranous scales on the surface of some leaves, as in the goosefoot. Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The bull trout. [ Prov. Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Quality or state of being scurfy. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) Scurf. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Compar. Scurfier superl. Scurfiest. ] Having or producing scurf; covered with scurf; resembling scurf. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who scurries. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. scurrilis, fr. scurra a bufoon, jester: cf. F. scurrile. ] Such as befits a buffoon or vulgar jester; grossly opprobrious or loudly jocose in language; scurrilous; as, scurrile taunts. [ 1913 Webster ]

The wretched affectation of scurrile laughter. Cowley. [ 1913 Webster ]

A scurrile or obscene jest will better advance you at the court of Charles than your father's ancient name. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. scurrilitas: cf. F. scurrilité. ] 1. The quality or state of being scurrile or scurrilous; mean, vile, or obscene jocularity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Your reasons . . . have been sharp and sententious, pleasant without scurrility. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is scurrile or scurrilous; gross or obscene language; low buffoonery; vulgar abuse. [ 1913 Webster ]

Interrupting prayers and sermons with clamor and scurrility. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Scurrilousness; abuse; insolence; vulgarity; indecency. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ See Scurrile. ] 1. Using the low and indecent language of the meaner sort of people, or such as only the license of buffoons can warrant; as, a scurrilous fellow. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Containing low indecency or abuse; mean; foul; vile; obscenely jocular; as, scurrilous language. [ 1913 Webster ]

The absurd and scurrilous sermon which had very unwisely been honored with impeachment. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Opprobrious; abusive; reproachful; insulting; insolent; offensive; gross; vile; vulgar; low; foul; foul-mouthed; indecent; scurrile; mean. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Scur"ril*ous*ly, adv. -- Scur"ril*ous*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]