Scum , v. i. To form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also used
figuratively.
Life, and the interest of life, have stagnated and scummed over.
A. K. H. Boyd.
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.
You that scum the molten lead.
Dryden & Lee. 2. To sweep or range over the surface of. [Obs.]
Wandering up and down without certain seat, they lived by scumming those seas and shores as pirates.
Milton.
Scum (skŭm), n. [Of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. & Sw.
skum, Icel. skūm, LG. schum,
D. schuim, OHG. scūm, G. schaum; probably from a root meaning, to cover. √158. Cf. Hide skin, Meerschaum, Skim,
v., Sky.]
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.
Some to remove the scum as it
did rise.
Spenser. 2. refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless.
The great and innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of
the people.
Addison.
Hear it pronounced