SCRUFF

nape, scruff, nucha

(noun) the back side of the neck

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology 1

Noun

scruff (countable and uncountable, plural scruffs)

Someone with an untidy appearance.

Stubble, facial hair (on males).

(obsolete) Crust.

(obsolete) Scurf.

Etymology 2

Noun

scruff (plural scruffs)

The loose skin at the back of the neck of some animals.

(rare) The back of the neck, nape; also scruff of the neck.

Usage notes

Strictly refers to the loose skin at the back of the neck – found on many mammals, though not humans – rather than the back of the neck itself. While this distinction is not always observed, scruff is used almost exclusively in the phrase “to grab [someone/something] by the scruff [of the neck]”.

Synonyms

• nape

• nucha, nuchal (medical)

• withers (of a horse)

Verb

scruff (third-person singular simple present scruffs, present participle scruffing, simple past and past participle scruffed)

To lift or carry by the scruff.

Source: Wiktionary

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Scruff, n. Etym: [See Scurf.]

Definition: Scurf. [Obs.]

Scruff, n. Etym: [Cf. Scuff.]

Definition: The nape of the neck; the loose outside skin, as of the back of the neck.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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