scoff 1
— scoffer , n. — scoffingly , adv.
/skawf, skof/ , v.i.
1. to speak derisively; mock; jeer (often fol. by at ): If you can't do any better, don't scoff. Their efforts toward a peaceful settlement are not to be scoffed at.
v.t.
2. to mock at; deride.
n.
3. an expression of mockery, derision, doubt, or derisive scorn; jeer.
4. an object of mockery or derision.
[ 1300-50; ME scof; orig. uncert., but cf. ON skopa to scorn ]
Syn. 1. gibe. SCOFF, JEER, SNEER imply behaving with scornful disapproval toward someone or about something. To SCOFF is to express insolent doubt or derision, openly and emphatically: to scoff at a new invention. To JEER suggests expressing disapproval and scorn more loudly, coarsely, and unintelligently than in scoffing: The crowd jeered when the batter struck out. To SNEER is to show by facial expression or tone of voice ill-natured contempt or disparagement: He sneered unpleasantly in referring to his opponent's misfortunes.
Ant. 3. praise.
scoff 2
/skawf, skof/ , Slang.
v.i. , v.t.
1. to eat voraciously.
n.
2. food; grub.
[ 1855-60; earlier scaff; orig. uncert. ]