n. (pl. scarves or scarfs) a square, triangular, or esp. long narrow strip of material worn round the neck, over the shoulders, or tied round the head (of a woman), for warmth or ornament. scarf-pin (or -ring) Brit. an ornamental device for fastening a scarf. scarf-skin the outermost layer of the skin constantly scaling off, esp. that at the base of the nails. scarf-wise worn diagonally across the body from shoulder to hip. scarfed adj.
[ prob. alt. of scarp (infl. by SCARF(2)) f. ONF escarpe = OF escherpe sash ]