Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Scallop?

\Scal"lop\ (?; 277), n. [OF. escalope a shell, probably of German or Dutch origin, and akin to E. scale of a fish; cf. D. schelp shell. See {Scale} of a fish, and cf. {Escalop}.] [Written also {scollop}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of marine bivalve mollusks of the genus Pecten and allied genera of the family {Pectinid[ae]}. The shell is usually radially ribbed, and the edge is therefore often undulated in a characteristic manner. The large adductor muscle of some the species is much used as food. One species ({Vola Jacob[ae]us}) occurs on the coast of Palestine, and its shell was formerly worn by pilgrims as a mark that they had been to the Holy Land. Called also {fan shell}. See {Pecten}, 2. Note: The common edible scallop of the Eastern United States is {Pecten irradians}; the large sea scallop, also used as food, is {P. Clintonius, or tenuicostatus}. 2. One of series of segments of circles joined at their extremities, forming a border like the edge or surface of a scallop shell. 3. One of the shells of a scallop; also, a dish resembling a scallop shell.
\Scal"lop\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Scalloped}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Scalloping}.] 1. To mark or cut the edge or border of into segments of circles, like the edge or surface of a scallop shell. See {Scallop}, n., 2. 2. (Cookery) To bake in scallop shells or dishes; to prepare with crumbs of bread or cracker, and bake. See {Scalloped oysters}, below.