• Scotch

    Pronunciation

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

    Origin 1

    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

    scotch

    (plural scotches)
    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

    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

    Origin 2

    See Scotch.

    Adjective

    scotch

    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

    scotch

    (plural scotches)
    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.’

    Origin 3

    From 3M's Scotch tape.

    Noun

    scotch

    (uncountable)
    1. Scotch tape

    Verb

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