scratch

To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.

Could you please scratch my back?

Then riſing with Aurora’s Light, / The Muse invok’d, ſit down to write; / Blot out, correct, inſert, refine, / Enlarge, diminiſh, interline; / Be mindful, when Invention fails, / To ſcratch your Head, and bite your Nails.

To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.

I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.

Sometimes I lost track of them and had to hunt round in a circle, thrusting through sharp-scented bushes, scratching myself [translating m’écorchant] on various plants which were still new to me: resinaceous rock-roses, juniper, ilex, yellow and white asphodel.

To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.

To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).

A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.

To get such scratches.

This platter scratches easily.

A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.

I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.

Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.

An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.

The dog sat up and had a good scratch.

A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.

He started a few seconds before the time and came up in speed to the scratch at the moment appointed.

A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but

The last riders to depart in a handicap race.

Eventually the elephant and camel were despatched by themselves with two laps start of the bicyclist and horse, the motor car being scratch.

For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.

This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.

Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation

A scratch company of two innocuous youths and a pacified veteran was therefore what now offered itself to Mrs. Stringham, who rustled in a little breathless and full of the compunction of having had to come alone.

Bluecoats began crossing the James on June 14 and next day two corps approached Petersburg, which was held by Beauregard with a scratch force of 2,500.

Relating to a scratchpad, a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.

scratch memory

(of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.

... the shot that does most to make a genuine scratch golfer is the mashie shot up to the pin — not merely up to the green.