Edit page | Page history | Printable version

scrape

1. To rub over the surface of (something) with a sharp or rough instrument; to rub over with something that roughens by removing portions of the surface; to grate harshly over; to abrade; to make even, or bring to a required condition or form, by moving the sharp edge of an instrument breadthwise over the surface with pressure, cutting away excesses and superfluous parts; to make smooth or clean; as, to scrape a bone with a knife; to scrape a metal plate to an even surface.

2. To remove by rubbing or scraping (in the sense above). I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. (Ezek. Xxvi. 4)

3. To collect by, or as by, a process of scraping; to gather in small portions by laborius effort; hence, to acquire avariciously and save penuriously; often followed by together or up; as, to scrape money together. The prelatical party complained that, to swell a number the nonconformists did not choose, but scrape, subscribers. (Fuller)

4. To express disapprobation of, as a play, or to silence, as a speaker, by drawing the feet back and forth upon the floor; usually with down. To scrape acquaintance, to seek acquaintance otherwise than by an introduction. He tried to scrape acquaintance with her, but failed ignominiously. (G. W. Cable)

Origin: Icel. Skrapa; akin to Sw. Skrapa, Dan. Skrabe, D. Schrapen, schrabben, G. Schrappen, and prob. To E. Sharp.