Search results for 'scrape':

scrape verb (scraped, scraping) 1 (also scrape something along, over, etc something) to push or drag (especially a sharp object) along or over (a hard or rough surface). 2 intrans to move along a surface with a grazing action. 3 to graze (the skin) by a scraping action. 4 to move along (a surface) with a grating sound. 5 intrans to make a grating sound. 6 (also scrape something off) to remove it from or smooth a surface with such an action. 7 to make savings through hardship • We managed to scrape enough for a holiday. 8 intrans, colloq to play the fiddle. noun 1 an instance, process or act of dragging or grazing. 2 a part damaged or cleaned by scraping. 3 a scraped area in the ground. 4 a graze (of the skin). 5 a backward sliding movement of one foot accompanying a bow. 6 colloq a difficult or embarrassing situation or predicament. 7 colloq a fight or quarrel. scraper noun 1 a person who scrapes. 2 a scraping tool, device or machine. bow and scrape to be over-obsequious. scrape acquaintance with someone to contrive to get to know them. scrape the bottom of the barrel to utilize the very last and worst of one's resources, opinions, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon scrapian.