Defn: Writing; document; scroll. [Obs.] "Of every scrit and bond."Chaucer.
SCRITCHScritch, n.
Defn: A screech. [R.]Perhaps it is the owlet's scritch. Coleridge.
SCRIVENER Scrive"ner ( or ), n. Etym: [From older scrivein, OF. escrivain, F. écrivain, LL. scribanus, from L. scribere to write. See Scribe.]
1. A professional writer; one whose occupation is to draw contracts or prepare writings. Shak. The writer better scrivener than clerk. Fuller.
2. One whose business is to place money at interest; a broker. [Obs.] ryden.
3. A writing master. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell. Scrivener's palsy. See Writer's cramp, under Writer.
SCROBICULAScro*bic"u*la, n.; pl. Scrobiculæ. Etym: [NL. See Scrobiculate.](Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the smooth areas surrounding the tubercles of a sea urchin.
SCROBICULARScro*bic"u*lar, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or surrounding, scrobiculæ; as, scrobicular tubercles.
SCROBICULATE; SCROBICULATED Scro*bic"u*late, Scro*bic"u*la`ted, a. Etym: [L. scrobiculus, dim. of scrobis a ditch or trench.] (Bot.)
Defn: Having numerous small, shallow depressions or hollows; pitted.
SCROD; SCRODEScrod, Scrode, n.
Defn: A young codfish, especially when cut open on the back and dressed. [Written also escrod.] [Local, U.S.]
SCRODDLED WAREScrod"dled ware`.
Defn: Mottled pottery made from scraps of differently colored clays.
SCROFULA Scrof"u*la, n. Etym: [L. scrofulae, fr. scrofa a breeding sow, because swine were supposed to be subject to such a complaint, or by a fanciful comparison of the glandular swellings to little pigs; perhaps akin to Gr. scrofules. Cf. Scroyle.] (Med.)
Defn: A constitutional disease, generally hereditary, especially manifested by chronic enlargement and cheesy degeneration of the lymphatic glands, particularly those of the neck, and marked by a tendency to the development of chronic intractable inflammations of the skin, mucous membrane, bones, joints, and other parts, and by a diminution in the power of resistance to disease or injury and the capacity for recovery. Scrofula is now generally held to be tuberculous in character, and may develop into general or local tuberculosis (consumption).
SCROFULIDEScrof"u*lide ( or ), n. (Med.)
Defn: Any affection of the skin dependent on scrofula.
SCROFULOUSScrof"u*lous, a. Etym: [Cf. F. scrofuleux.]
1. Pertaining to scrofula, or partaking of its nature; as, scrofulous tumors; a scrofulous habit of body.
2. Diseased or affected with scrofula.Scrofulous persons can never be duly nourished. Arbuthnot.— Scorf"u*lous*ly, adv.— Scrof"u*lous*ness, n.
SCROG Scrog, n. Etym: [Cf. Scrag, or Gael. sgrogag anything shriveled, from sgrag to compress, shrivel.]
Defn: A stunted shrub, bush, or branch. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
SCROGGYScrog"gy, a.
Defn: Abounding in scrog; also, twisted; stunted. [Prov. Eng. &Scot.] Halliwell.
SCROLL Scroll, n. Etym: [A dim. of OE. scroue, scrowe (whence E. escrow), OF. escroe, escroue, F. écrou entry in the jail book, LL. scroa scroll, probably of Teutonic origin; cf. OD. schroode a strip, shred, slip of paper, akin to E. shred. Cf. Shred, Escrow.]
1. A roll of paper or parchment; a writing formed into a roll; aschedule; a list.The heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll. Isa. xxxiv. 4.Here is the scroll of every man's name. Shak.
2. (Arch.)
Defn: An ornament formed of undulations giving off spirals or sprays, usually suggestive of plant form. Roman architectural ornament is largely of some scroll pattern.
3. A mark or flourish added to a person's signature, intended to represent a seal, and in some States allowed as a substitute for a seal. [U.S.] Burrill.
4. (Geom.)
Defn: Same as Skew surface. See under Skew. Linen scroll (Arch.) See under Linen. — Scroll chuck (Mach.), an adjustable chuck, applicable to a lathe spindle, for centering and holding work, in which the jaws are adjusted and tightened simultaneously by turning a disk having in its face a spiral groove which is entered by teeth on the backs of the jaws. — Scroll saw. See under Saw.
SCROLLEDScrolled, a.
Defn: Formed like a scroll; contained in a scroll; adorned with scrolls; as, scrolled work.
SCROPHULARIA Scroph`u*la"ri*a, n. Etym: [NL. So called because it was reputed to be remedy for scrofula.] (Bot.)
Defn: A genus of coarse herbs having small flowers in panicled cymes; figwort.
SCROPHULARIACEOUSScroph`u*la`ri*a"ceous, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to a very large natural order of gamopetalous plants (Scrophulariaceæ, or Scrophularineæ), usually having irregular didynamous flowers and a two-celled pod. The order includes the mullein, foxglove, snapdragon, figwort, painted cup, yellow rattle, and some exotic trees, as the Paulownia.
SCROTALScro"tal, a. (Anat.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the scrotum; as, scrotal hernia.
SCROTIFORMScro"ti*form, a. Etym: [L. scrotum scrotum + -form.]
Defn: Purse-shaped; pouch-shaped.
SCROTOCELEScro"to*cele, n. Etym: [Scrotum + Gr. scrotocéle.] (Med.)
Defn: A rupture or hernia in the scrotum; scrotal hernia.
SCROTUMScro"tum, n. Etym: [L.] (Anat.)
Defn: The bag or pouch which contains the testicles; the cod.
SCROUGEScrouge, v. t. Etym: [Etymol. uncertain.]
Defn: To crowd; to squeeze. [Prov. Eng. & Colloq. U.S.]
SCROWScrow ( or ), n. Etym: [See Escrow, Scroll.]
1. A scroll. [Obs.] Palsgrave.
2. A clipping from skins; a currier's cuttings.
SCROYLEScroyle, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. escrouselle a kind of vermin, escrouelles,pl., scrofula, F. écrouelles, fr. (assumed) LL. scrofulae. SeeScrofula, and cf. Cruels.]
Defn: A mean fellow; a wretch. [Obs.] hak.
SCRUBScrub, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scrubbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Scrubbing.]Etym: [OE. scrobben, probably of Dutch or Scand. origin; cf. Dan.sckrubbe, Sw. skrubba, D. schrobben, LG. schrubben.]
Defn: To rub hard; to wash with rubbing; usually, to rub with a wet brush, or with something coarse or rough, for the purpose of cleaning or brightening; as, to scrub a floor, a doorplate.
SCRUBScrub, v. i.
Defn: To rub anything hard, especially with a wet brush; to scour; hence, to be diligent and penurious; as, to scrub hard for a living.
SCRUBScrub, n.
1. One who labors hard and lives meanly; a mean fellow. "A sorry scrub." Bunyan. We should go there in as proper a manner possible; nor altogether like the scrubs about us. Goldsmith.
2. Something small and mean.
3. A worn-out brush. Ainsworth.
4. A thicket or jungle, often specified by the name of the prevailing plant; as, oak scrub, palmetto scrub, etc.
5. (Stock Breeding)
Defn: One of the commen live stock of a region of no particular breed or not of pure breed, esp. when inferior in size, etc. [U.S.] Scrub bird (Zoöl.), an Australian passerine bird of the family Atrichornithidæ, as Atrichia clamosa; — called also brush bird. — Scrub oak (Bot.), the popular name of several dwarfish species of oak. The scrub oak of New England and the Middle States is Quercus ilicifolia, a scraggy shrub; that of the Southern States is a small tree (Q. Catesbæi); that of the Rocky Mountain region is Q. undulata, var. Gambelii. — Scrub robin (Zoöl.), an Australian singing bird of the genus Drymodes.
SCRUBScrub, a.
Defn: Mean; dirty; contemptible; scrubby.How solitary, how scrub, does this town lokk! Walpole.No little scrub joint shall come on my board. Swift.Scrub game, a game, as of ball, by unpracticed players.— Scrub race, a race between scrubs, or between untrained animalsor contestants.
SCRUBBEDScrub"bed, a.
Defn: Dwarfed or stunted; scrubby.
SCRUBBERScrub"ber, n.
1. One who, or that which, scrubs; esp., a brush used in scrubbing.
2. (Gas Manuf.)
Defn: A gas washer. See under Gas.
SCRUBBOARDScrub"board`, n.
Defn: A baseboard; a mopboard.
SCRUBBYScrub"by, a. [Compar. Scrubbier; superl. Scrubbiest.]
Defn: Of the nature of scrub; small and mean; stunted in growth; as, a scrubby cur. "Dense, scrubby woods." Duke of Argull.
SCRUBSTONEScrub"stone`, n.
Defn: A species of calciferous sandstone. [Prov. Eng.]
SCRUFFScruff, n. Etym: [See Scurf.]
Defn: Scurf. [Obs.]
SCRUFFScruff, n. Etym: [Cf. Scuff.]
Defn: The nape of the neck; the loose outside skin, as of the back of the neck.
SCRUMMAGEScrum"mage (; 43), n.
Defn: See Scrimmage.
SCRUMPTIOUSScrump"tious, a.
Defn: Nice; particular; fastidious; excellent; fine. [Slang]
SCRUNCHScrunch, v. t. & v. i. Etym: [Cf. Scranch, Crunch.]
Defn: To scranch; to crunch. Dickens.
SCRUPLE Scru"ple, n. Etym: [L. scrupulus a small sharp or pointed stone, the twenty-fourth part of an ounce, a scruple, uneasiness, doubt, dim. of scrupus a rough or sharp stone, anxiety, uneasiness; perh. akin to Gr. kshura: cf. F. scrupule.]
1. A weight of twenty grains; the third part of a dram.
2. Hence, a very small quantity; a particle. I will not bate thee a scruple. Shak.
3. Hesitation as to action from the difficulty of determining what is right or expedient; unwillingness, doubt, or hesitation proceeding from motives of conscience. He was made miserable by the conflict between his tastes and his scruples. Macaulay. To make scruple, to hesitate from conscientious motives; to scruple. Locke.
SCRUPLEScru"ple, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Scrupled; p. pr. & vb. n. Skrupling.]
Defn: To be reluctant or to hesitate, as regards an action, onaccount of considerations of conscience or expedience.We are often over-precise, scrupling to say or do those things whichlawfully we may. Fuller.Men scruple at the lawfulness of a set form of divine worship. South.
SCRUPLEScru"ple, v. t.
1. To regard with suspicion; to hesitate at; to question. Others long before them . . . scrupled more the books of hereties than of gentiles. Milton.
2. To excite scruples in; to cause to scruple. [R.] Letters which did still scruple many of them. E. Symmons.
SCRUPLERScru"pler, n.
Defn: One who scruples.
SCRUPULISTScru"pu*list, n.
Defn: A scrupler. [Obs.]
SCRUPULIZEScru"pu*lize, v. t.
Defn: To perplex with scruples; to regard with scruples. [Obs.] Bp.Montagu.
SCRUPULOSITYScru`pu*los"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. scrupulositas.]
Defn: The quality or state of being scruppulous; doubt; doubtfulness respecting decision or action; caution or tenderness from the far of doing wrong or ofending; nice regard to exactness and propierty; precision. The first sacrilege is looked on with horror; but when they have made the breach, their scrupulosity soon retires. Dr. H. More. Careful, even to scrupulosity, . . . to keep their Sabbath. South.
SCRUPULOUSScru"pu*lous, a. Etym: [L. scrupulosus: cf. F. scrupuleux.]
1. Full ofscrupules; inclined to scruple; nicely doubtful; hesitating to determine or to act, from a fear of offending or of doing wrong. Abusing their liberty, to the offense of their weak brethren which were scrupulous. Hooker.
2. Careful; cautious; exact; nice; as, scrupulous abstinence from labor; scrupulous performance of duties.
3. Given to making objections; captious. [Obs.] Equality of two domestic powers Breed scrupulous faction. Shak.
4. Liable to be doubted; doubtful; nice. [Obs.] The justice of that cause ought to be evident; not obscrure, not scrupulous. Bacon.
Syn.— Cautious; careful; conscientious; hesitating.— Scru"pu*lous*ly, adv.— Scru"pu*lous*ness, n.
SCRUTABLEScru"ta*ble, a.
Defn: Discoverable by scrutiny, inquiry, or critical examination.[R.] r. H. More.
SCRUTATIONScru*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. scrutatio.]
Defn: Search; scrutiny. [Obs.]
SCRUTATORScru*ta"tor, n. Etym: [L.]
Defn: One who scrutinizes; a close examiner or inquirer. Ayliffe.
SCRUTIN DE LISTEScru`tin" de liste" (skrus`taN" de lest). [F., voting by list.]
Defn: Voting for a group of candidates for the same kind of office on one ticket or ballot, containing a list of them; — the method, used in France, as from June, 1885, to Feb., 1889, in elections for the Chamber of Deputies, each elector voting for the candidates for the whole department in which he lived, as disting. from scrutin d'arrondissement (da`rôN`des`mäN"), or voting by each elector for the candidate or candidates for his own arrondissement only.
SCRUTINEERScru`ti*neer, n.
Defn: A scrutinizer; specifically, an examiner of votes, as at an election.
SCRUTINIZEScru"ti*nize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scrutinized; p. pr. & vb. n.Scrutinizing.] Etym: [From Scrutiny.]
Defn: To examine closely; to inspect or observe with critical attention; to regard narrowly; as, to scrutinize the measures of administration; to scrutinize the conduct or motives of individuals. Whose votes they were obliged to scrutinize. Ayliffe. Thscrutinized his face the closest. G. W. Cable.
SCRUTINIZEScru"ti*nize, v. i.
Defn: To make scrutiny.
SCRUTINIZERScru"ti*ni`zer, n.
Defn: One who scrutinizes.
SCRUTINOUSScru"ti*nous, a.
Defn: Closely examining, or inquiring; careful; sctrict.— Scru"ti*nous*ly, adv.
SCRUTINY Scru"ti*ny, n. Etym: [L. scrutinium, fr. scrutari to search carefuly, originally, to search even to the rags, fr. scruta trash, trumpery; perhaps akin to E. shred: cf. AS. scrudnian to make scrutiny.]
1. Close examination; minute inspection; critical observation. They that have designed exactness and deep scrutiny have taken some one part of nature. Sir M. Hale. Thenceforth I thought thee worth my nearer view And narrower scrutiny. Milton.
2. (Anc. Church)
Defn: An examination of catechumens, in the last week of Lent, who were to receive baptism on Easter Day.
3. (Canon Law)
Defn: A ticket, or little paper billet, on which a vote is written.
4. (Parliamentary Practice)
Defn: An examination by a committee of the votes given at an election, for the purpose of correcting the poll. Brande & C.
SCRUTINYScru"ti*ny, v. t.
Defn: To scrutinize. [Obs.]
SCRUTOIREScru*toire", n. Etym: [OF. escritoire. See Escritoire.]
Defn: A escritoire; a writing desk.
SCRUZEScruze, v. t. Etym: [Cf. Excruciate.]
Defn: To squeeze, compress, crush, or bruise. [Obs. or Low] Spenser.
SCRYScry, v. t.
Defn: To descry. [Obs.] Spenser.
SCRYScry, n. Etym: [From Scry, v.]
Defn: A flock of wild fowl.
SCRYScry, n. Etym: [OE. ascrie, fr. ascrien to cry out, fr. OF. escrier,F. s'écrier. See Ex-, and Cry.]
Defn: A cry or shout. [Obs.] Ld. Berners.
SCUDScud, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Scudded; p. pr. & vb. n. Scudding.] Etym:[Dan. skyde to shoot, shove, push, akin to skud shot, gunshot, ashoot, young bough, and to E. shoot. sq. root159. See Shoot.]
1. To move swiftly; especially, to move as if driven forward by something. The first nautilus that scudded upon the glassy surface of warm primeval oceans. I. Taylor. The wind was high; the vast white clouds scudded over the blue heaven. Beaconsfield.
2. (Naut.)
Defn: To be driven swiftly, or to run, before a gale, with little or no sail spread.
SCUDScud, v. t.
Defn: To pass over quickly. [R.] Shenstone.
SCUDScud, n.
1. The act of scudding; a driving along; a rushing with precipitation.
2. Loose, vapory clouds driven swiftly by the wind.Borne on the scud of the sea. Longfellow.The scud was flying fast above us, throwing a veil over the moon. SirS. Baker.
3. A slight, sudden shower. [Prov. Eng.] Wright.
4. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A small flight of larks, or other birds, less than a flock.[Prov. Eng.]
5. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any swimming amphipod crustacean. Storm scud. See the Note under Cloud.
SCUDDLEScud"dle, v. i. Etym: [Freq. of scud: cf. Scuttle to hurry.]
Defn: To run hastily; to hurry; to scuttle.
SCUDO Scu"do, n.; pl. Scudi. Etym: [It., a crown, a dollar, a shield, fr. L. scutum a shield. Cf. Scute.] (Com.) (a) A silver coin, and money of account, used in Italy and Sicily, varying in value, in different parts, but worth about 4 shillings sterling, or about 96 cents; also, a gold coin worth about the same. (b) A gold coin of Rome, worth 64 shillings 11 pence sterling, or about $ 15.70.
SCUFF Scuff, n. Etym: [Cf. D. schoft shoulder, Goth. skuft hair of the head. Cf. Scruff.]
Defn: The back part of the neck; the scruff. [Prov. Eng.] Ld. Lytton.
SCUFFScuff, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Scuffed; p. pr. & vb. n. Scuffing.] Etym:[See Scuffle.]
Defn: To walk without lifting the feet; to proceed with a scraping or dragging movement; to shuffle.
SCUFFLEScuf"fle, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Scuffled; p. pr. & vb. n. Scuffling.]Etym: [Freq. of scuff, v.i.; cf. Sw. skuffa to push, shove, skuff apush, Dan. skuffe a drawer, a shovel, and E. shuffle, shove. SeeShove, and cf. Shuffle.]
1. To strive or struggle with a close grapple; to wrestle in a rough fashion.
2. Hence, to strive or contend tumultuously; to struggle confusedly or at haphazard. A gallant man had rather fight to great disadvantage in the field, in an orderly way, than scuffle with an undisciplined rabble. Eikon Basilike.
SCUFFLEScuf"fle, n.
1. A rough, haphazard struggle, or trial of strength; a disorderly wrestling at close quarters.
2. Hence, a confused contest; a tumultuous struggle for superiority; a fight. The dog leaps upon the serpent, and tears it to pieces; but in the scuffle the cradle happened to be overturned. L'Estrange.
3. A child's pinafore or bib. [Prov. Eng.]
4. A garden hoe. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
SCUFFLERScuf"fler, n.
1. One who scuffles.
2. An agricultural implement resembling a scarifier, but usually lighter.
SCUG Scug, v. i. Etym: [Cf. Dan. skugge to darken, a shade, SW. skugga to shade, a shade, Icel. skuggja to shade, skuggi a shade.]
Defn: To hide. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
SCUGScug, n.
Defn: A place of shelter; the declivity of a hill. [Prov. Eng.]Halliwell.
SCULK; SCULKERSculk, Sculk"er.
Defn: See Skulk, Skulker.
SCULLScull, n. (Anat.)
Defn: The skull. [Obs.]
SCULLScull, n. Etym: [See 1st School.]
Defn: A shoal of fish. Milton.
SCULLScull, n. Etym: [Of uncertain origin; cf. Icel. skola to wash.]
1. (Naut.) (a) A boat; a cockboat. See Sculler. (b) One of a pair of short oars worked by one person. (c) A single oar used at the stern in propelling a boat.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The common skua gull. [Prov. Eng.]
SCULLScull, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sculled; p. pr. & vb. n. Sculling.](Naut.)
Defn: To impel (a boat) with a pair of sculls, or with a single scull or oar worked over the stern obliquely from side to side.
SCULLScull, v. i.
Defn: To impel a boat with a scull or sculls.
SCULLERScull"er, n.
1. A boat rowed by one man with two sculls, or short oars. [R.] Dryden.
2. One who sculls.
SCULLERY Scul"ler*y, n.; pl. Sculleries. Etym: [Probably originally, a place for washing dishes, and for swillery, fr. OE. swilen to wash, AS. swilian (see Swill to wash, to drink), but influenced either by Icel. skola, skyla, Dan. skylle, or by OF. escuelier a place for keeping dishes, fr. escuele a dish, F. écuelle, fr. L. scutella a salver, waiter (cf. Scuttle a basket); or perhaps the English word is immediately from the OF. escuelier; cf. OE. squyllare a dishwasher.]
1. A place where dishes, kettles, and culinary utensils, are cleaned and kept; also, a room attached to the kitchen, where the coarse work is done; a back kitchen.
2. Hence, refuse; fifth; offal. [Obs.] auden.
SCULLIONScul"lion, n. (Bot.)
Defn: A scalion.
SCULLION Scul"lion, n. Etym: [OF. escouillon (Cot.) a dishclout, apparently for escouvillon, F. écouvillon a swab; cf. also OF. souillon a servant employed for base offices. Cf. Scovel.]
Defn: A servant who cleans pots and kettles, and does other menial services in the kitchen. The meanest scullion that followed his camp. South.
SCULLIONLYScul"lion*ly, a.
Defn: Like a scullion; base. [Obs.] Milton.
SCULPSculp, v. t. Etym: [See Sculptor.]
Defn: To sculpture; to carve; to engrave. [Obs. or Humorous.] Sandys.
SCULPIN Scul"pin, n. Etym: [Written also skulpin.] (Zoöl.) (a) Any one of numerous species of marine cottoid fishes of the genus Cottus, or Acanthocottus, having a large head armed with sharp spines, and a broad mouth. They are generally mottled with yellow, brown, and black. Several species are found on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and America. (b) A large cottoid market fish of California (Scorpænichthys marmoratus); — called also bighead, cabezon, scorpion, salpa. (c) The dragonet, or yellow sculpin, of Europe (Callionymus lura).
Note: The name is also applied to other related California species.Deep-water sculpin, the sea raven.
SCULPTILESculp"tile, a. Etym: [L. sculptilis. See Sculptor.]
Defn: Formed by carving; graven; as, sculptile images. [Obs.] Sir T.Browne.
SCULPTOR Sculp"tor, n. Etym: [L. sculptor, fr. sculpere, sculptum, to carve; cf. scalpere to cut, carve, scratch, and Gr. sculpteur.]
1. One who sculptures; one whose occupation is to carve statues, or works of sculpture.
2. Hence, an artist who designs works of sculpture, his first studies and his finished model being usually in a plastic material, from which model the marble is cut, or the bronze is cast.
SCULPTRESSSculp"tress, n.
Defn: A female sculptor.
SCULPTURALSculp"tur*al, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to sculpture. G. Eliot.
SCULPTURESculp"ture, n. Etym: [L. sculptura: cf. F. sculpture.]
1. The art of carving, cutting, or hewing wood, stone, metal, etc., into statues, ornaments, etc., or into figures, as of men, or other things; hence, the art of producing figures and groups, whether in plastic or hard materials.
2. Carved work modeled of, or cut upon, wood, stone, metal, etc. There, too, in living sculpture, might be seen The mad affection of the Cretan queen. Dryden.
SCULPTURESculp"ture, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sculptured (; p. pr. & vb. n.Sculpturing.]
Defn: To form with the chisel on, in, or from, wood, stone, or metal; to carve; to engrave. Sculptured tortoise (Zoöl.), a common North American wood tortoise (Glyptemys insculpta). The shell is marked with strong grooving and ridges which resemble sculptured figures.
SCULPTURESQUESculp`tur*esque", a.
Defn: After the manner of sculpture; resembling, or relating to, sculpture.
SCUM Scum, n. Etym: [Of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. & Sw. skum, Icel. sk, LG. schum, D. schuim, OHG. sc, G. schaum; probably from a root meaning, to cover. sq. root158. Cf. Hide skin, Meerschaum, Skim, v., 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 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.
SCUMScum, 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. 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.
SCUMScum, v. i.
Defn: To form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also usedfiguratively.Life, and the interest of life, have stagnated and scummed over. A.K. H. Boyd.
SCUMBERScum"ber, v. i. Etym: [Cf. Discumber.]
Defn: To void excrement. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] Massinger.
SCUMBERScum"ber, n.
Defn: Dung. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
SCUMBLEScum"ble, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scumbled; p. pr. & vb. n. Scumbling.]Etym: [Freq. of scum. sq. root 158.] (Fine Arts)
Defn: To cover lighty, as a painting, or a drawing, with a thin wash of opaque color, or with color-crayon dust rubbed on with the stump, or to make any similar additions to the work, so as to produce a softened effect.
SCUMBLINGScum"bling, n.
1. (Fine Arts) (a) A mode of obtaining a softened effect, in painting and drawing, by the application of a thin layer of opaque color to the surface of a painting, or part of the surface, which is too bright in color, or which requires harmonizing. (b) In crayon drawing, the use of the stump.
2. The color so laid on. Also used figuratively. Shining above the brown scumbling of leafless orchards. L. Wallace.
SCUMMERScum"mer, v. i.
Defn: To scumber. [Obs.] Holland.
SCUMMERScum"mer, n.
Defn: Excrement; scumber. [Obs.]
SCUMMERScum"mer, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. escumoire, F. écumoire. See Scum, and cf.Skimmer.]
Defn: An instrument for taking off scum; a skimmer.
SCUMMING Scum"ming, n. (a) The act of taking off scum. (b) That which is scummed off; skimmings; scum; — used chiefly in the plural.
SCUMMYScum"my, a.
Defn: Covered with scum; of the nature of scum. Sir P. Sidney.
SCUNNERScun"ner, v. t. Etym: [Cf. Shun.]
Defn: To cause to loathe, or feel disgust at. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.]
SCUNNERScun"ner, v. i.
Defn: To have a feeling of loathing or disgust; hence, to have dislike, prejudice, or reluctance. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.] C. Kingsley.
SCUNNERScun"ner, n.
Defn: A feeling of disgust or loathing; a strong prejudice; abhorrence; as, to take a scunner against some one. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.] Carlyle.
SCUPScup, n. Etym: [D. schop.]
Defn: A swing. [Local, U.S.]
SCUP Scup, n. Etym: [Contr. fr. American Indian mishcùp, fr. mishe-kuppi large, thick-scaled.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A marine sparoid food fish (Stenotomus chrysops, or S. argyrops), common on the Atlantic coast of the United States. It appears bright silvery when swimming in the daytime, but shows broad blackish transverse bands at night and when dead. Called also porgee, paugy, porgy, scuppaug.
Note: The same names are also applied to a closely allied Southern species. (Stenotomus Gardeni).
SCUPPAUG Scup"paug, n. Etym: [Contr. fr. Amer. Indian mishcuppauog, pl. of mishcup.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: See 2d Scup.
SCUPPER Scup"per, n. Etym: [OF. escopir, escupir, to spit, perhaps for escospir, L. ex + conspuere to spit upon; pref. con- + spuere to spit. Cf. Spit, v.] (Naut.)
Defn: An opening cut through the waterway and bulwarks of a ship, so that water falling on deck may flow overboard; — called also scupper hole.
Scupper hose (Naut.), a pipe of leather, canvas, etc., attached to the mouth of the scuppers, on the outside of a vessel, to prevent the water from entering. Totten. — Scupper nail (Naut.), a nail with a very broad head, for securing the edge of the hose to the scupper. — Scupper plug (Naut.), a plug to stop a scupper. Totten.
SCUPPERNONGScup"per*nong, n. Etym: [Probably of American Indian origin.] (Bot.)
Defn: An American grape, a form of Vitis vulpina, found in theSouthern Atlantic States, and often cultivated.
SCURScur, v. i. Etym: [Cf. Scour to run.]
Defn: To move hastily; to scour. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
SCURF Scurf, n. Etym: [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 scurf. Milton.
4. (Bot.)
Defn: Minute membranous scales on the surface of some leaves, as in the goosefoot. Gray.
SCURFFScurff, n.
Defn: The bull trout. [Prov. Eng.]
SCURFINESSScurf"i*ness, n.
1. Quality or state of being scurfy.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Scurf.
SCURFYScurf"y, a. [Compar. Scurfier; superl. Scurfiest.]
Defn: Having or producing scurf; covered with scurf; resembling scurf.
SCURRIERScur"ri*er, n.
Defn: One who scurries.
SCURRILEScur"rile, a. Etym: [L. scurrilis, fr. scurra a bufoon, jester: cf.F. scurrile.]
Defn: Such as befits a buffoon or vulgar jester; grossly opprobriousor loudly jocose in language; scurrilous; as, scurrile taunts.The wretched affectation of scurrile laughter. Cowley.A scurrile or obscene jest will better advance you at the court ofCharles than father's ancient name. Sir W. Scott.
SCURRILITYScur*ril"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. scurrilitas: cf. F.scurrilité.]
1. The quality or state of being scurrile or scurrilous; mean, vile, or obscene jocularity. Your reasons . . . have been sharp and sententious, pleasant without scurrility. Shak.
2. That which is scurrile or scurrilous; gross or obscene language; low buffoonery; vulgar abuse. Interrupting prayers and sermons with clamor and scurrility. Macaulay.
Syn.— Scurrilousness; abuse; insolence; vulgarity; indecency.
SCURRILOUSScur"ril*ous, a. Etym: [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.
2. Containing low indecency or abuse; mean; foul; vile; obscenely jocular; as, scurrilous language. The absurd and scurrilous sermon which had very unwisely been honored with impeachment. Macaulay.
Syn.— Opprobrious; abusive; reproachful; insulting; insolent;offensive; gross; vile; vulgar; low; foul; foul-mounthed; indecent;scurrile; mean.— Scur"ril*ous*ly, adv.— Scur"ril*ous*ness, n.
SCURRITScur"rit, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: the lesser tern (Sterna minuta). [Prov. Eng.]
SCURRYScur"ry, v. i. Etym: [Cf. Scur, Skirr.]
Defn: To hasten away or along; to move rapidly; to hurry; as, the rabbit scurried away.
SCURRYScur"ry, n.
Defn: Act of scurring; hurried movement.
SCURVILYScur"vi*ly, adv.
Defn: In a scurvy manner.
SCURVINESSScur"vi*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being scurvy; vileness; meanness.
SCURVY Scur"vy, a. [Compar. Scurvier; superl. Scurviest.] Etym: [From Scurf; cf. Scurvy, n.]
1. Covered or affected with scurf or scabs; scabby; scurfy; specifically, diseased with the scurvy. "Whatsoever man . . . be scurvy or scabbed." lev. xxi. 18, 20.
2. Vile; mean; low; vulgar; contemptible. "A scurvy trick." Ld.Lytton.That scurvy custom of taking tobacco. Swift.[He] spoke spoke such scurvy and provoking terms. Shak.
SCURVYScur"vy, n. Etym: [Probably from the same source as scirbute, butinfluenced by scurf, scurfy, scurvy, adj.; cf. D. scheurbuik scurvy,G. scharbock, LL. scorbutus. Cf. Scorbute.] (Med.)
Defn: A disease characterized by livid spots, especially about the thighs and legs, due to extravasation of blood, and by spongy gums, and bleeding from almost all the mucous membranes. It is accompanied by paleness, languor, depression, and general debility. It is occasioned by confinement, innutritious food, and hard labor, but especially by lack of fresh vegetable food, or confinement for a long time to a limited range of food, which is incapable of repairing the waste of the system. It was formerly prevalent among sailors and soldiers. Scurvy grass Etym: [Scurvy + grass; or cf. Icel. skarfakal scurvy grass.] (Bot.) A kind of cress (Cochlearia officinalis) growing along the seacoast of Northern Europe and in arctic regions. It is a remedy for the scurvy, and has proved a valuable food to arctic explorers. The name is given also to other allied species of plants.
SCUTScut, n. Etym: [Cf. Icel. skott a fox's tail. sq. root 159.] [Obs.]
Defn: The tail of a hare, or of a deer, or other animal whose tail is short, sp. when carried erect; hence, sometimes, the animal itself. "He ran like a scut." Skelton. How the Indian hare came to have a long tail, wheras that part in others attains no higher than a scut. Sir T. Browne. My doe with the black scut. Shak.
SCUTAScu"ta, n. pl.
Defn: See Scutum.
SCUTAGEScu"tage (; 48), n. Etym: [LL. scutagium, from L. scutum a shield.](Eng. Hist.)
Defn: Shield money; commutation of service for a sum of money. SeeEscuage.
SCUTALScu"tal, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to a shield.A good example of these scutal monstrosities. Cussans.
SCUTATE Scu"tate, a. Etym: [L. scutatus armed with a shield, from scutum a shield.]
1. Buckler-shaped; round or nearly round.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Protected or covered by bony or horny plates, or large scales.
SCUTCHScutch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scutched; p. pr. & vb. n. Scutching.]Etym: [See Scotch to cut slightly.]
1. To beat or whip; to drub. [Old or Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
2. To separate the woody fiber from (flax, hemp, etc.) by beating; to swingle.
3. To loosen and dress the fiber of (cotton or silk) by beating; to free (fibrous substances) from dust by beating and blowing. Scutching machine, a machine used to scutch cotton, silk, or flax; — called also batting machine.
SCUTCHScutch, n.
1. A wooden instrument used in scutching flax and hemp.
2. The woody fiber of flax; the refuse of scutched flax. "The smoke of the burning scutch." Cuthbert Bede.
SCUTCHEONScutch"eon, n. Etym: [Aphetic form of escutcheon.]
1. An escutcheon; an emblazoned shield. Bacon. The corpse lay in state, with all the pomp of scutcheons, wax lights, black hangings, and mutes. Macaulay.
2. A small plate of metal, as the shield around a keyhole. See Escutcheon, 4.
SCUTCHEONEDScutch"eoned, a.
Defn: Emblazoned on or as a shield.Scutcheoned panes in cloisters old. Lowell.
SCUTCHERScutch"er, n.
1. One who scutches.
2. An implement or machine for scutching hemp, flax, or cotton; etc.; a scutch; a scutching machine.
SCUTCH GRASSScutch" grass`. (Bot.)
Defn: A kind of pasture grass (Cynodon Dactylon). See Bermuda grass: also Illustration in Appendix.
SCUTEScute, n. Etym: [L. scutum a shield, a buckler. See Scudo.]
1. A small shield. [Obs.] Skelton.
2. An old French gold coin of the value of 3s. 4d. sterling, or about 80 cents.
3. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A bony scale of a reptile or fish; a large horny scale on the leg of a bird, or on the belly of a snake.
SCUTELLAScu*tel"la, n. pl.
Defn: See Scutellum.
SCUTELLAScu*tel"la, n.; pl. Scutelle. Etym: [NL., fem. dim. of L. scutum.](Zoöl.)
Defn: See Scutellum, n., 2.
SCUTELLATE; SCUTELLATEDScu"tel*late, Scu"tel*la`ted, a. Etym: [L. scutella a dish, salver.Cf. Scuttle a basket.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Formed like a plate or salver; composed of platelike surfaces; as, the scutellated bone of a sturgeon. Woodward.
2. Etym: [See Scutellum.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having the tarsi covered with broad transverse scales, or scutella; — said of certain birds.
SCUTELLATIONScu`tel*la"tion, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: the entire covering, or mode of arrangement, of scales, as on the legs and feet of a bird.
SCUTELLIFORMScu*tel"li*form, a. Etym: [L. scutella a dish + -form.]
1. Scutellate.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Having the form of a scutellum.
SCUTELLIPLANTARScu*tel`li*plan"tar, a. Etym: [L. scutellus a shield + planta foot.](Zoöl.)
Defn: Having broad scutella on the front, and small scales on the posterior side, of the tarsus; — said of certain birds.
SCUTELLUM Scu*tel"lum, n.; pl. Scutella. Etym: [NL., neut. dim. of L. scutum a shield.]
1. (Bot.)
Defn: A rounded apothecium having an elevated rim formed of the proper thallus, the fructification of certain lichens.
2. (Zoöl.) (a) The third of the four pieces forming the upper part of a thoracic segment of an insect. It follows the scutum, and is followed by the small postscutellum; a scutella. See Thorax. (b) One of the transverse scales on the tarsi and toes of birds; a scutella.
SCUTIBRANCHScu"ti*branch, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Scutibranchiate.— n.
Defn: One of the Scutibranchiata.
SCUTIBRANCHIAScu`ti*bran"chi*a, n. pl. Etym: [NL.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Same as Scutibranchiata.
SCUTIBRANCHIANScu`ti*bran"chi*an, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the Scutibranchiata.
SCUTIBRANCHIATAScu`ti*bran`chi*a"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See Scutum, and Branchia.](Zoöl.)
Defn: An order of gastropod Mollusca having a heart with two auricles and one ventricle. The shell may be either spiral or shieldlike.
Note: It is now usually regarded as including only the Rhipidoglossa and the Docoglossa. When originally established, it included a heterogenous group of mollusks having shieldlike shells, such as Haliotis, Fissurella, Carinaria, etc.
SCUTIBRANCHIATEScu`ti*bran"chi*ate, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having the gills protected by a shieldlike shell; of or pertaining to the Scutibranchiata. — n.
Defn: One of the Scutibranchiata.
SCUTIFEROUSScu*tif"er*ous, a. Etym: [L. scutum shield + -ferous.]
Defn: Carrying a shield or buckler.
SCUTIFORMScu"ti*form, a. Etym: [L. scutum shield + -form: cf. F. scutiforme.]
Defn: Shield-shaped; scutate.
SCUTIGERScu"ti*ger, n. Etym: [NL., fr. L. scutum shield + gerere to bear.](Zoöl.)
Defn: Any species of chilopod myriapods of the genus Scutigera. They sometimes enter buildings and prey upon insects.
SCUTIPED Scu"ti*ped, a. Etym: [L. scutum a shield + pes, pedis, a foot: cf. F. scutipède.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having the anterior surface of the tarsus covered with scutella, or transverse scales, in the form of incomplete bands terminating at a groove on each side; — said of certain birds.
SCUTTERScut"ter, v. i. [Cf. Scuttle, v. i.]
Defn: To run quickly; to scurry; to scuttle. [Prov. Eng.]
A mangy little jackal . . . cocked up his ears and tail, and scuttered across the shallows. Kipling.
SCUTTLE Scut"tle, n. Etym: [AS. scutel a dish, platter; cf. Icel. skutill; both fr. L. scutella, dim. of scutra, scuta, a dish or platter; cf. scutum a shield. Cf. Skillet.]
1. A broad, shallow basket.
2. A wide-mouthed vessel for holding coal: a coal hod.
SCUTTLEScut"tle, v. i. Etym: [For scuddle, fr. scud.]
Defn: To run with affected precipitation; to hurry; to bustle; toscuddle.With the first dawn of day, old Janet was scuttling about the houseto wake the baron. Sir W. Scott.
SCUTTLEScut"tle, n.
Defn: A quick pace; a short run. Spectator.
SCUTTLE Scut"tle, n. Etym: [OF. escoutille, F. éscoutille, cf. Sp. escotilla; probably akin to Sp. escoter to cut a thing so as to make it fit, to hollow a garment about the neck, perhaps originally, to cut a bosom- shaped piece out, and of Teutonic origin; cf. D. schoot lap, bosom, G. schoss, Goth. skauts the hem of a garnment. Cf. Sheet an expanse.]
1. A small opening in an outside wall or covering, furnished with a lid. Specifically: (a) (Naut.) A small opening or hatchway in the deck of a ship, large enough to admit a man, and with a lid for covering it, also, a like hole in the side or bottom of a ship. (b) An opening in the roof of a house, with a lid.
2. The lid or door which covers or closes an opening in a roof, wall, or the like. Scuttle butt, or Scuttle cask (Naut.), a butt or cask with a large hole in it, used to contain the fresh water for daily use in a ship. Totten.
SCUTTLEScut"tle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scuttled; p. pr. & vb. n. Scuttling.]
1. To cut a hole or holes through the bottom, deck, or sides of (as of a ship), for any purpose.
2. To sink by making holes through the bottom of; as, to scuttle a ship.
SCUTUMScu"tum, n.; pl. Scuta. Etym: [L.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.)
Defn: An oblong shield made of boards or wickerwork covered with leather, with sometimes an iron rim; — carried chiefly by the heavy- armed infantry.
2. (O. Eng. Law)
Defn: A penthouse or awning. [Obs.] Burrill.
3. (Zoöl.) (a) The second and largest of the four parts forming the upper surface of a thoracic segment of an insect. It is preceded by the prescutum and followed by the scutellum. See the Illust. under Thorax. (b) One of the two lower valves of the operculum of a barnacle.
SCYBALAScyb"a*la, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)
Defn: Hardened masses of feces.
SCYEScye, n.
Defn: Arm scye, a cutter's term for the armhole or part of the armhole of the waist of a garnment. [Cant]
SCYLEScyle, v. t. Etym: [AS. scylan to withdraw or remowe.]
Defn: To hide; to secrete; to conceal. [Obs.]
SCYLLAScyl"la, n.
Defn: A dangerous rock on the Italian coast opposite the whirpool Charybdis on the coast of Sicily, — both personified in classical literature as ravenous monsters. The passage between them was formerly considered perilous; hence, the saying "Between Scylla and Charybdis," signifying a great peril on either hand.
SCYLLAEAScyl*læ"a, n. Etym: [NL. See Scylla.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A genus of oceanic nudibranchiate mollusks having the small branched gills situated on the upper side of four fleshy lateral lobes, and on the median caudal crest.
Note: In color and form these mollusks closely imitate the fronds of sargassum and other floathing seaweeds among which they live.
SCYLLARIANScyl*la"ri*an, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of a family (Scyllaridæ) of macruran Crustacea, remarkable for the depressed form of the body, and the broad, flat antennæ. Also used adjectively.
SCYLLITEScyl"lite, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A white crystalline substance of a sweetish taste, resembling inosite and metameric with dextrose. It is extracted from the kidney of the dogfish (of the genus Scylium), the shark, and the skate.
SCYMETARScym"e*tar, n.
Defn: See Scimiter.
SCYPHAScy"pha, n.; pl. Scyphae. Etym: [NL.] (Bot.)
Defn: See Scyphus, 2 (b).
SCYPHIFORMScy"phi*form, a. Etym: [L. scyphus a cup + -form.] (Bot.)
Defn: Cup-shaped.
SCYPHISTOMAScy*phis"to*ma, n.; pl. Scyphistomata, Scyphistomæ. Etym: [NL., fr.Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The young attached larva of Discophora in the stage when it resembles a hydroid, or actinian.
SCYPHOBRANCHIIScy`pho*bran"chi*i, n. pl. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: An order of fishes including the blennioid and gobioid fishes, and other related families.
SCYPHOMEDUSA; SCYPHOMEDUSAE Scy`pho*me*du"sa, Scy`pho*me*du"sae, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. medusa.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Same as Acraspeda, or Discophora.
SCYPHOPHORIScy*phoph"o*ri, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: An order of fresh-water fishes inhabiting tropical Africa. They have rudimentary electrical organs on each side of the tail.
SCYPHUSScy"phus, n.; pl. Scyphi. Etym: [L., a cup, Gr.
1. (Antiq.)
Defn: A kind of large drinking cup, — used by Greeks and Romans, esp. by poor folk.
2. (Bot.) (a) The cup of a narcissus, or a similar appendage to the corolla in other flowers. (b) A cup-shaped stem or podetium in lichens. Also called scypha. See Illust. of Cladonia pyxidata, under Lichen.
SCYTHEScythe (sith), n. Etym: [OE. sithe, AS. si\'ebe, sigthe; akin toIcel. sigthr a sickle, LG. segd, seged, seed, seid, OHG. segansasickle, scythe, G. sense scythe, and to E. saw a cutting instrument.See Saw.] [Written also sithe and sythe.]
1. An instrument for mowing grass, grain, or the like, by hand, composed of a long, curving blade, with a sharp edge, made fast to a long handle, called a snath, which is bent into a form convenient for use. The sharp-edged scythe shears up the spiring grass. Dryden. The scythe of Time mows down. Milton.
2. (Antiq.)
Defn: A scythe-shaped blade attached to ancient war chariots.
SCYTHEScythe, v. t.
Defn: To cut with a scythe; to cut off as with a scythe; to mow.[Obs.]Time had not scythed all that youth begun. Shak.
SCYTHEDScythed, a.
Defn: Armed scythes, as a chariot.Chariots scythed, On thundering axles rolled. Glover.
SCYTHEMANScythe"man, n.; pl. Scythemen (.
Defn: One who uses a scythe; a mower. Macaulay.
SCYTHESTONEScythe"stone`, n.
Defn: A stone for sharpening scythes; a whetstone.
SCYTHEWHETScythe"whet`, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Wilson's thrush; — so called from its note. [Local, U.S.]
SCYTHIANScyth"i*an, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to Scythia (a name given to the northern part of Asia, and Europe adjoining to Asia), or its language or inhabitants. Scythian lamb. (Bot.) See Barometz.
SCYTHIANScyth"i*an, n.
1. A native or inhabitant of Scythia; specifically (Ethnol.), one of a Slavonic race which in early times occupied Eastern Europe.
2. The language of the Scythians.
SCYTODERMATAScy`to*der"ma*ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Same as Holothurioidea.
SDAINSdain, v. & n.
Defn: Disdain. [Obs.] Spenser.
'SDEATH'Sdeath, interj. Etym: [Corrupted fr. God's death.]
Defn: An exclamation expressive of impatience or anger. Shak.
SDEIGNSdeign, v. t.
Defn: To disdain. [Obs.]But either sdeigns with other to partake. Spenser.
SEA Sea, n. Etym: [OE. see, AS. sæ; akin to D. zee, OS. & OHG. seo, G. see, OFries. se, Dan. sö, Sw. sjö, Icel. sær, Goth. saiws, and perhaps to L. saevus firce, savage. sq. root 151 a.]
1. One of the larger bodies of salt water, less than an ocean, found on the earth's surface; a body of salt water of second rank, generally forming part of, or connecting with, an ocean or a larger sea; as, the Mediterranean Sea; the Sea of Marmora; the North Sea; the Carribean Sea.
2. An inland body of water, esp. if large or if salt or brackish; as, the Caspian Sea; the Sea of Aral; sometimes, a small fresh-water lake; as, the Sea of Galilee.
3. The ocean; the whole body of the salt water which covers a largepart of the globe.I marvel how the fishes live in the sea. Shak.Ambiguous between sea and land The river horse and scaly crocodile.Milton.
4. The swell of the ocean or other body of water in a high wind; motion of the water's surface; also, a single wave; a billow; as, there was a high sea after the storm; the vessel shipped a sea.
5. (Jewish Antiq.)
Defn: A great brazen laver in the temple at Jerusalem; — so calledfrom its size.He made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round incompass, and five cubits the height thereof. 2 Chron. iv. 2.
6. Fig.: Anything resembling the sea in vastness; as, a sea of glory. Shak. All the space . . . was one sea of heads. Macaulay.
Note: Sea is often used in the composition of words of obvious signification; as, sea-bathed, sea-beaten, sea-bound, sea-bred, sea- circled, sealike, sea-nursed, sea-tossed, sea-walled, sea-worn, and the like. It is also used either adjectively or in combination with substantives; as, sea bird, sea-bird, or seabird, sea acorn, or sea- acorn. At sea, upon the ocean; away from land; figuratively, without landmarks for guidance; lost; at the mercy of circumstances. "To say the old man was at sea would be too feeble an expression." G. W. Cable — At full sea at the height of flood tide; hence, at the height. "But now God's mercy was at full sea." Jer. Taylor. — Beyond seas, or Beyond the sea or the seas (Law), out of the state, territory, realm, or country. Wharton. — Half seas over, half drunk. [Colloq.] Spectator. — Heavy sea, a sea in which the waves run high. — Long sea, a sea characterized by the uniform and steady motion of long and extensive waves. — Short sea, a sea in which the waves are short, broken, and irregular, so as to produce a tumbling or jerking motion. — To go to sea, a adopt the calling or occupation of a sailor.
SEA ACORNSea" a"corn. (Zoöl.)
Defn: An acorn barnacle (Balanus).
SEA ADDER Sea" ad"der. (Zoöl.) (a) The European fifteen-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus spinachia); — called also bismore. (b) The European tanglefish, or pipefish (Syngnathus acus).
SEA ANCHORSea" an"chor. (Naut.)
Defn: See Drag sail, under 4th Drag.
SEA ANEMONESea" a*nem"o*ne. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any one of numerous species of soft-bodied Anthozoa, belonging to the order Actrinaria; an actinian.
Note: They have the oral disk surrounded by one or more circles of simple tapering tentacles, which are often very numerous, and when expanded somewhat resemble the petals of flowers, with colors varied and often very beautiful.
SEA APE Sea" ape`. (Zoöl.) (a) The thrasher shark. (b) The sea otter.
SEA APPLESea" ap"ple. (Bot.)
Defn: The fruit of a West Indian palm (Manicaria Plukenetii), often found floating in the sea. A. Grisebach.
SEA ARROWSea" ar"row. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A squid of the genus Ommastrephes. See Squid.
SEA BANKSea" bank`.
1. The seashore. Shak.
2. A bank or mole to defend against the sea.
SEA-BARSea"-bar`, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A tern.
SEA BARROWSea" bar"row. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A sea purse.
SEA BASSSea" bass`.
Defn: ((Zoöl.) (a) A large marine food fish (Serranus, or Centropristis, atrarius) which abounds on the Atlantic coast of the United States. It is dark bluish, with black bands, and more or less varied with small white spots and blotches. Called also, locally, blue bass, black sea bass, blackfish, bluefish, and black perch. (b) A California food fish (Cynoscion nobile); — called also white sea bass, and sea salmon.
SEA BATSea" bat`. (Zoöl.)
Defn: See Batfish (a).
SEABEACHSea"beach`, n.
Defn: A beach lying along the sea. "The bleak seabeach." Longfellow.
SEA BEANSea" bean. (Bot.)
Defn: Same as Florida bean.
SEA BEAR Sea" bear`. (Zoöl.) (a) Any fur seal. See under Fur. (b) The white bear.
SEABEARDSea"beard`, n. (Bot.)
Defn: A green seaweed (Cladophora rupestris) growing in dense tufts.
SEA BEASTSea" beast`. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any large marine mammal, as a seal, walrus, or cetacean.