Scotch

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /skÉ’tʃ/
• GenAm IPA: /skÉ‘tʃ/
• Rhymes: -É’tʃ

From Middle English scocchen ("to cut"), perhaps from Anglo-Norman escocher ("to notch") , from es- ("intensive prefix"), from Latin ex-, + Old French coche ("notch")

Full definition of scotch

Noun

1. A surface cut or abrasion.
2. A line drawn on the ground, as one used in playing hopscotch.
3. A block for a wheel or other round object; a chock, wedge, prop, or other support, to prevent slipping.
• 1913, D. H. Lawrence, ,He was like the scotch in the smooth, happy machinery of the home. And he was always aware of this fall of silence on his entry, the shutting off of life, the unwelcome.
4. a scotch for a wheel or a log on inclined ground

Derived terms

• hopscotch

Verb

1. (transitive) To cut or score; to wound superficially.
• ShakespeareWe have scotched the snake, not killed it.
2. (transitive) To prevent (something) from being successful.The rain scotched his plans of going to the beach.
3. (transitive) To debunk or discredit an idea or rumor.''The prime minister scotched rumors of his resignation.
4. (transitive) To block a wheel or other round object.The workers stopped the rig on an incline and scotched the wheels.
5. (transitive, textile manufacturing) To beat yarn in order to break up slugs and align the threads.Yarn is scotched immediately after it has been dried and while it is still warm. http://www.google.com/patents?id=DXdGAAAAEBAJ&pg=PP3&vq=scotched&dq=scotching
6. (transitive) To dress (stone) with a pick or pointed instrument.
7. (obsolete, transitive) To clothe or cover up.

Synonyms

• (prevent (something) from being successful) foil, put the kibosh on, thwart
• (block a wheel) chock, block

See Scotch.

Adjective

1. Of Scottish origin.

Usage notes

The use of scotch rather than Scottish (or Scots) is generally limited to a few specific cases, such as scotch eggs, scotch plaid, Scotch whisky, Scotch broth, etc. It may be considered incorrect usage in other combinations. It is usually capitalised Scotch.

Noun

1. Whisky of Scottish origin.
• 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter 5, A waiter brought his aperitif, which was a small scotch and soda, and as he sipped it gratefully he sighed.
     â€˜Civilized,’ he said to Mr. Campion. ‘Humanizing.’ … ‘Cigars and summer days and women in big hats with swansdown face-powder, that's what it reminds me of.’

From 3M's Scotch tape.

Noun

1. Scotch tape

Verb

1. (transitive, Australian rhyming slang) to rape----