I. ˈskrach verb
Etymology: Middle English scracchen, probably blend of scratten to scratch and cracchen to scratch
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
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.
a. : to scrape or rub lightly (as to relieve itching)
b. : to act on (a desire) — used with itch
scratch the itch to travel
4. : to scrape together : collect with difficulty or by effort
scratch out a living
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
scratch a match
intransitive verb
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 make a living by hard work and especially through irregular means and sacrifice
had to scratch and save for college
4.
a. : to make a thin grating sound
b. : to produce a rhythmic scratching sound by moving a phonograph record back and forth under a phonograph needle
5. : to withdraw from a contest or engagement
6. : to make a scratch in billiards or pool
• scratch·er noun
•
- scratch one's back
- scratch one's head
- scratch the surface
II. noun
Date: circa 1586
1. : a mark or injury produced by scratching ; also : a slight wound
2. : scrawl , scribble
3. : the sound made by scratching
4. : the starting line in a race
5.
a. : a test of courage
b. : satisfactory condition, level, or performance
not up to scratch
6. : a contestant whose name is withdrawn
7. : poultry feed (as mixed grains) scattered on the litter or ground especially to induce birds to exercise — called also scratch feed
8.
a. : a shot in billiards or pool that ends a player's turn ; specifically : 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
•
- from scratch
III. adjective
Date: 1851
1. : arranged or put together with little selection : haphazard
a scratch team
2. : made as or used for a tentative effort
3. : made or done by chance and not as intended
a scratch shot
4. : having no handicap or allowance
a scratch golfer
5. : made from scratch : made with basic ingredients
a scratch cake