Scurf (?), n. [AS. scurf, sceorf, or from Scand.; cf. Sw. skorf, Dan. skurv, Icel. skurfur, D. schurft, G. schorf; all akin to AS. scurf, and to AS. sceorfan to scrape, to gnaw, G. schurfen to scrape, and probably also to E. scrape. Cf. Scurvy.]

1.

Thin dry scales or scabs upon the body; especially, thin scales exfoliated from the cuticle, particularly of the scalp; dandruff.

2.

Hence, the foul remains of anything adherent.

The scurf is worn away of each committed crime. Dryden.

3.

Anything like flakes or scales adhering to a surface.

There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire Shone with a glossy scurf. Milton.

4. Bot.

Minute membranous scales on the surface of some leaves, as in the goosefoot.

Gray.

 

© Webster 1913.