scum

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: trash

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. worthless peopleSynonyms: trash
  2. a film of impurities or vegetation that can form on the surface of a liquid

Verb (1)

  1. remove the scum from
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Scum \Scum\ (sk[u^]m), n. [Of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. & Sw. skum, Icel. sk[=u]m, LG. schum, D. schuim, OHG. sc[=u]m, G. schaum; probably from a root meaning, to cover. [root]158. Cf. Hide skin, Meerschaum, Skim, v., Sky.] [1913 Webster]

1.The extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquids in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by other means; also, the scoria of metals in a molten state; dross. [1913 Webster]

Some to remove the scum as it did rise.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]

2.refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless. [1913 Webster]

The great and innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of the people.— Addison.[1913 Webster]
Scum \Scum\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scummed; p. pr. & vb. n. Scumming.]

1.To take the scum from; to clear off the impure matter from the surface of; to skim. [1913 Webster]

You that scum the molten lead.— Dryden & Lee.[1913 Webster]

2.To sweep or range over the surface of. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Wandering up and down without certain seat, they lived by scumming those seas and shores as pirates.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
Scum \Scum\, v. i. To form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also used figuratively. [1913 Webster]

Life, and the interest of life, have stagnated and scummed over. --A. K. H. Boyd. [1913 Webster]

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