Scurf (?), n. [AS. scurf,
sceorf, or from Scand.; cf. Sw. skorf, Dan.
skurv, Icel. skurfur, D. schurft, G.
schorf; all akin to AS. scurf, and to AS.
sceorfan to scrape, to gnaw, G. schürfen to scrape,
and probably also to E. scrape. Cf. Scurvy.]
1. Thin dry scales or scabs upon the body;
especially, thin scales exfoliated from the cuticle, particularly of
the scalp; dandruff.
2. Hence, the foul remains of anything
adherent.
The scurf is worn away of each committed
crime.
Dryden.
3. Anything like flakes or scales adhering to
a surface.
There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top
Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire
Shone with a glossy scurf.
Milton.
4. (Bot.) Minute membranous scales on
the surface of some leaves, as in the goosefoot.
Gray.