vt to sweep or range over the surface of.
2. scum ·v refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless.
3. scum ·vi to form a scum; to become covered with scum. also used figuratively.
4. scum ·vt to take the scum from; to clear off the impure matter from the surface of; to skim.
5. scum ·v the extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquids in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by other means; also, the scoria of metals in a molten state; dross.