Scurf (?), n. [AS. scurf, sceorf, or from Scand.; cf. Sw. skorf, Dan. skurv, Icel. skurfur, D. schurft, G. schorf; all akin to AS. scurf, and to AS. sceorfan to scrape, to gnaw, G. schurfen to scrape, and probably also to E. scrape. Cf. Scurvy.]
1.
Thin dry scales or scabs upon the body; especially, thin scales exfoliated from the cuticle, particularly of the scalp; dandruff.
2.
Hence, the foul remains of anything adherent.
The scurf is worn away of each committed crime.
Dryden.
3.
Anything like flakes or scales adhering to a surface.
There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top
Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire
Shone with a glossy scurf.
Milton.
4. Bot.
Minute membranous scales on the surface of some leaves, as in the goosefoot.
Gray.
© Webster 1913.