[scratch] vb [ME scracchen, prob. blend of scratten to scratch and cracchen to scratch] vt (15c) 1: to scrape or dig with the claws or nails
2: to rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or jagged
3: to scrape or rub lightly (as to relieve itching)
4: to scrape together: collect with difficulty or by effort
5: to write or draw on a surface
6. a: to cancel or erase by or as if by drawing a line through b: to withdraw (an entry) from competition 7: scribble, scrawl 8: to scrape along a rough surface "~ a match" ~ vi 1: to use the claws or nails in digging, tearing, or wounding
2: to scrape or rub oneself lightly (as to relieve itching)
3: to gather money or get a living by hard work and esp. through irregular means and sacrifice
4: to make a thin grating sound
5: to withdraw from a contest or engagement
6: to make a scratch in billiards or pool -- scratch.er n -- scratch one's back : to accommodate with a favor esp. in expectation of like return -- scratch the surface : to make a superficial effort or modest start
[2]scratch n (ca. 1586) 1: a mark or injury produced by scratching; also: a slight wound
2: scrawl, scribble
3: the sound made by scratching
4. a: the starting line in a race b: a point at the beginning of a project at which nothing has been done ahead of time "build a school system from ~"
5. a: a test of courage b: satisfactory condition, level, or performance "not up to ~"
6: a contestant whose name is withdrawn 7: poultry feed (as mixed grains) scattered on the litter or ground esp. to induce birds to exercise--called also scratch feed
8. a: a shot in billiards or pool that ends a player's turn; specif: a shot in pool in which the cue ball falls into the pocket b: a shot that scores by chance: fluke
9. slang: money, funds [3]scratch adj (1897) 1: made as or used for a tentative effort
2: made or done by chance and not as intended "a ~ shot"
3: arranged or put together with little selection: haphazard "a ~ team"
4: having no handicap or allowance "a ~ golfer"
5: made from scratch: made with basic ingredients "a ~ cake"