scour

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To clean, polish, or wash (something) by rubbing and scrubbing it vigorously, frequently…

   To clean, polish, or wash (something) by rubbing and scrubbing it vigorously, frequently with an abrasive or cleaning agent.

   • He scoured the burnt food from the pan.
   • They all looked directly at the ſcullion,—the ſcullion had juſt been ſcouring a fiſh-kettle.
2. 2

   To remove debris and dirt (from something) by purging

   To remove debris and dirt (from something) by purging; to sweep along or off by a current of water.

3. 3

   To clear the digestive tract (of an animal) by administering medication that induces…

   To clear the digestive tract (of an animal) by administering medication that induces defecation or vomiting; to purge.

   • to scour a horse
4. ›+ 9 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To (cause livestock to) suffer from diarrhoea or dysentery.

      • If a lamb is scouring, do not delay treatment.
   2. 5

      To cleanse (something) without rubbing.

      • Flanders soap is the substance which appeared to act in the most advantageous manner; it scowers very speedily, and gives wool a degree of whiteness which it is extremely difficult to produce by any other means.
   3. 6

      The removal of sediment caused by swiftly moving water.

      • Bridge scour may scoop out scour holes and compromise the integrity of the structure.
      • It is believed that scour, caused by record river flows as a result of snow melt and heavy rainfall, triggered the collapse of the Yellowstone Twin River Bridges in Stillwater County, Montana, on June 24.
   4. 7

      A place scoured out by running water, as in the bed of a stream below a waterfall.

      • Fish as near the middle of the stream as you can in the spring months, and also on the shallows and scowers; but in the winter, in deep holes; let the bait drag two or three inches on the ground.
      • Trout always have a recognised home of their own, inhabited by a pretty fixed number of individuals. If you catch the two sole denizens of a particular scour, you will find another pair installed in their place to-morrow.
   5. 8

      A place where wool is washed to remove grease and impurities prior to processing.

   6. 9

      Diarrhoea, in livestock

      Diarrhoea, in livestock; scouring.

      • The Cause and Nature of the Skit, or Scour, of Sheep and Lambs.
      • […] lambs, and on the appearance of the skit or scour, the necessity for a change of food is indicated.
   7. 10

      To search an area thoroughly.

      • They scoured the scene of the crime for clues.
      • A search engine will scour the web for you.
   8. 11

      To run with speed

      To run with speed; to scurry.

      • Lord. Behind the tuft of Pines I met them, neuer Saw I men scowre so on their way: I eyed them Euen to their Ships.
      • So four fierce Courſers ſtarting to the Race, / Scow'r thro' the Plain, and lengthen ev'ry Pace: / Nor Reigns, nor Curbs, nor threat'ning Cries they fear, / But force along the trembling Charioteer.
   9. 12

      To move swiftly over

      To move swiftly over; to brush along.

      • When Ajax ſtrives, ſome Rock's vaſt Weight to throw, / The Line too labours, and the Words move ſlow; / Not ſo, when ſwift Camilla ſcours the plain, / Flies o'er th'unbending Corn, and skims along the Main.
      • We near him! We near him [an ostrich]! Ah, laggard, 'tis vain / That with rapid feet casting the dusty clouds back, / In circles wide wheeling, thou scourest the plain, / For Ayoud, untiring, is close on thy track.

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