Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Scum?

\Scum\, n. [Of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. & Sw. skum, Icel. sk?m, LG. schum, D. schuim, OHG. sc?m, G. schaum; probably from a root meaning, to cover. [root]158. Cf. {Hide} skin, {Meerschaum}, {Skim}, v., {Sky}.] 1. The extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquids in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by other means; also, the scoria of metals in a molten state; dross. Some to remove the scum it did rise. --Spenser. 2. refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless. The great and innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of the people. --Addison.
\Scum\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Scummed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Scumming}.] 1. To take the scum from; to clear off the impure matter from the surface of; to skim. You that scum the molten lead. --Dryden & Lee. 2. To sweep or range over the surface of. [Obs.] Wandering up and down without certain seat, they lived by scumming those seas and shores as pirates. --Milton.
\Scum\, v. i. To form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also used figuratively. Life, and the interest of life, have stagnated and scummed over. --A. K. H. Boyd.