First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1scour
verb \ˈskau̇(-ə)r\
Definition of SCOUR
transitive verb
1
a : to rub hard especially with a rough material for cleansing b : to remove by rubbing hard and washing
2
archaic : to clear (a region) of enemies or outlaws
3
: to clean by purging : purge
4
: to remove dirt and debris from (as a pipe or ditch)
5
: to free from foreign matter or impurities by or as if by washing <scour wool>
6
: to clear, dig, or remove by or as if by a powerful current of water
intransitive verb
1
: to perform a process of scouring
2
: to suffer from diarrhea or dysentery
3
: to become clean and bright by rubbing
— scour·er noun
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Origin of SCOUR
Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch schuren, from Old French escurer, from Late Latin excurare to clean off, from Latin, to take good care of, from ex- + curare to care for, from cura care
2scour
noun
Definition of SCOUR
1
: a place scoured by running water
2
: scouring action (as of a glacier)
4
: scouring 1; also : damage done by scouring action
First Known Use of SCOUR
1681
3scour
verb
Definition of SCOUR
intransitive verb
: to move about quickly especially in search
transitive verb
: to go through or range over in or as if in a search
Origin of SCOUR
Middle English scuren, skouren, probably from scour, noun, (in phrase god scour quickly), perhaps from Old Norse skūr shower; akin to Old English scūr shower — more at shower
First Known Use: 13th century
SCOURER Defined for Kids
1scour
verb \ˈskau̇r\
scouredscour·ing
Definition of SCOUR for Kids
1
: to rub hard with a rough substance or object in order to clean
2
: to free or clear from impurities by or as if by rubbing
2scour
verb
scouredscouring
Definition of SCOUR for Kids
: to go or move swiftly about, over, or through in search of something <Detectives scoured the records for a clue.>
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