Dictionary
scratch
Pronunciation: (skrach), [key]—
v.t.
1. to break, mar, or mark the surface of by rubbing, scraping, or tearing with something sharp or rough:
to scratch one's hand on a nail.
2. to dig, scrape, or tear (something) out or off with or as if with the nails, claws, etc.:
to scratch the burs off one's coat.
3. to rub or scrape slightly, as with the fingernails, to relieve itching.
4. to rub or draw along a rough, grating surface:
to scratch a match on the sidewalk.
5. to erase, cancel, strike out, or eliminate (a name, something written, etc.) by or as if by drawing a line through it (often fol. by
out):
Scratch out the third name on the list.
6. to withdraw (an entry) from a race or competition.
7. U.S. Politics.
a. to divide (one's vote) though predominantly supporting one political party or faction.
b. to strike out or reject a particular name or names on (a party ticket) in voting.
8. to write or draw by scraping or cutting the lines into a surface:
She scratched her initials on the glass.
9. to manipulate (a phonograph record) back and forth under the stylus to produce rhythmic sounds.
—
v.i.
1. to use the nails, claws, etc., for tearing, digging, etc.
2. to relieve itching by rubbing or scraping lightly, as with the fingernails.
3. to make a slight grating noise, as a pen.
4. to earn a living or to manage in any respect with great difficulty:
We scratched along that year on very little money.
5. to withdraw or be withdrawn from a contest or competition.
6. (in certain card games) to make no score; earn no points.
7. Billiards, Pool.to make a shot that results in a penalty, esp. to pocket the cue ball without hitting the object ball.
—
n.
1. a slight injury, mar, or mark, usually thin and shallow, caused by scratching:
three scratches on my leg; a noticeable scratch on the table.
2. a rough mark made by a pen, pencil, etc.; scrawl.
3. an act of scratching.
4. the slight grating sound caused by scratching.
5. the starting place, starting time, or status of a competitor in a handicap who has no allowance and no penalty.
6. Billiards, Pool.
a. a shot resulting in a penalty, esp. a pocketing of the cue ball without hitting the object ball.
b. a fluke or lucky shot.
7. (in certain card games) a score of zero; nothing.
8. Baseball.See
scratch hit.
9. See
scratch wig.
10. Slang.money; cash.
11. from scratch,
a. from the very beginning or starting point.
b. from nothing; without resources:
After the depression he started another business from scratch.
12. up to scratch, in conformity with a certain standard; adequate; satisfactory:
The local symphony orchestra has improved this year, but it is still not up to scratch.
—
adj.
1. used for hasty writing, notes, etc.:
scratch paper.
2. without any allowance, penalty, or handicap, as a competitor or contestant.
3. Informal.done by or dependent on chance:
a scratch shot.
4. Informal.gathered hastily and indiscriminately:
a scratch crew.
5. done or made from scratch:
a scratch cake. Scratch
Pronunciation: (skrach), [key]—
n.
Old Scratch; Satan.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
