scour

¹scour

verb \ˈskau̇(-ə)r\

Definition of SCOUR

transitive verb

1

a : to rub hard especially with a rough material for cleansing b : to remove by rubbing hard and washing

2

archaic : to clear (a region) of enemies or outlaws

3

: to clean by purging : purge

4

: to remove dirt and debris from (as a pipe or ditch)

5

: to free from foreign matter or impurities by or as if by washing <scour wool>

6

: to clear, dig, or remove by or as if by a powerful current of water

intransitive verb

1

: to perform a process of scouring

2

: to suffer from diarrhea or dysentery

3

: to become clean and bright by rubbing

— scour·er noun

Origin of SCOUR

Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch schuren, from Old French escurer, from Late Latin excurare to clean off, from Latin, to take good care of, from ex- + curare to care for, from cura care

First Known Use: 14th century