I. ˈskärf noun
( plural scarfs )
Etymology: Middle English skarf, probably from Old Norse skarfr butt end of a plank
Date: 15th century
1. : either of the chamfered or cutaway ends that fit together to form a scarf joint
2. : an in-line joint made by chamfering, halving, or notching two pieces to correspond and lapping them
[
scarf 2
]
II. transitive verb
also scarph ˈskärf
Date: 1627
1. : to unite by a scarf joint
2. : to form a scarf on
III. noun
( plural scarves ˈskärvz ; or scarfs )
Etymology: probably modification of Middle French dialect (Norman) escreppe, Middle French escherpe sash, sling, from Old French, pilgrim's shoulder bag, from Medieval Latin scrippum
Date: 1555
1.
a. : a military or official sash usually indicative of rank
b. archaic : tippet 3
2. : a broad band of cloth worn about the shoulders, around the neck, or over the head
3. : runner 6b
IV. transitive verb
Date: 1598
1. : to wrap, cover, or adorn with or as if with a scarf
2. : to wrap or throw on (a scarf or mantle) loosely
V. transitive verb
Etymology: by alteration
Date: circa 1960
1. : scoff 1
scarf ed down my sandwich
2. : snap 2
scarf ed up the best seats