scarf

scarf

scarf¹ [skärf]

n.

pl. scarves or sometimes scarfs [skärvz] [NormFr escarpe (OFr escharpe), a purse suspended from the neck, wallet < ML scirpa, scrippa, earlier scirpea, rush pouch or basket < L scirpeus, of rushes < scirpus, a rush, bulrush]

1. a long or broad piece of cloth worn about the neck, head, or shoulders for warmth or decoration; muffler, babushka, neckerchief, etc.

2. a long, narrow covering for a table, bureau top, etc.; runner

3. a sash worn by soldiers or officials

vt.

to cover or drape with a scarf

scarf² [skärf]

n.

pl. scarfs [prob. < Scand, as in ON skarfr, obliquely cut beam-end < IE * skerp- < base * (s)ker-, to cut > SHEAR]

1. a joint made by notching, grooving, or otherwise cutting the ends of two pieces and fastening them so that they lap over and join firmly into one continuous piece: also called scarf joint

2. the ends of a piece cut in this fashion

vt.

1. to join by a scarf

2. to make a scarf in the end of

☆ scarf³ [skärf ]

vt.

[var. of dial. scaff, eat voraciously < ?]

Slang to consume greedily: often with down or up