scruff — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Someone with an untidy appearance.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   That candidate will never get the job: he's a right scruff.

2. Stubble, facial hair (on males).

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

3. Crust.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Obsolete
   • Uncountable

4. Scurf.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Obsolete
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. The loose skin at the back of the neck of some animals.

2. The back of the neck, nape; also scruff of the neck.

   Usage

   • Rare

   Examples

   He grabbed his unruly child by the scruff of the neck, and took him home.

Verb

1. To lift or carry by the scruff.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Related words

   scuff

   Examples

   She gently scruffed the kitten who was trying to climb her leg.

Noun

1. the back side of the neck

   Synonyms

   napenucha

   Broader terms

   rearbacksideback end