Scurf, n.
n. [A-S. scurf, Sw. skorf, Dan. skurv, Icel. skurfur, D. schurft, Ger. schorf, schurf, schörft, from A-S. sceorfan, to gnaw, bite, O. H. Ger. scurfan, scurfjan, N. H. Ger. schürfen, schurfen, to scratch, scrape. Cf. SCRUFF.]
Sense 1. A dry scab or mealy crust formed on the skin of an animal; an excretion, or exfoliation from the surface of the body.
Sense 2. Hence, the soil, stain, or foul remains of any thing adherent; as, the scurf of crimes.
The scurf is worn away of each committed crime. Dryden.
Sense 3. Any thing adhering to the surface.
There stood a hill, whose grisly top Shone with a glossy scurf. Milton.
Sense 4. (Bot.) A minute membraneous scale on the surface of some leaves. Henslow.