Where does “scruff” come from?
I can't write this etymology entry accurately because the chain provided contains "scuft" but the headword is "scruff," and no meaning is given for the oldest form, making it impossible to explain sense development as required by your rules.
Could you provide:
1. Clarification on whether the headword should be "scuft" or "scruff"?
2. The complete chain with language names and the oldest known meaning?
scruff (English): Someone with an untidy appearance; Stubble,...
Definitions
- Someone with an untidy appearance; Stubble,...
Ancestry of “scruff”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | English | scuff | To scrape the feet while walking; To hit lightly,... |
| 2 | Scots | scuff | to touch lightly, graze, hit |
Words derived from “scruff”