i Register
In some senses, scruff is marked as obsolete, rare. Watch for register when choosing this word.
scruff
/skɹʌf/
noun 6verb 1
Collocations
3ADJ.
right
SCRUFF + NOUN
leather, neck
PREP.
with
Definitions
noun
1
Someone with an untidy appearance.
That candidate will never get the job: he's a right scruff.
2
Stubble, facial hair (on males).
3
Crust.
4
Scurf.
noun
1
The loose skin at the back of the neck of some animals.
2
The back of the neck, nape; also scruff of the neck.
He grabbed his unruly child by the scruff of the neck, and took him home.
verb
1
To lift or carry by the scruff.
She gently scruffed the kitten who was trying to climb her leg.
Thesaurus
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
That candidate will never get the job: he's a right scruff.
Wiktionary02
He grabbed his unruly child by the scruff of the neck, and took him home.
Wiktionary03
She gently scruffed the kitten who was trying to climb her leg.
Wiktionary04
Mary grabbed Tom by the scruff of his neck.
Tatoeba · #539740105
Tom grabbed his son by the scruff of his neck.
Tatoeba · #539740406
Tom grabbed the dog by the scruff of the neck.
Tatoeba · #5699093Usage Notes
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