[skratʃ], (Verb)

Definitions:
- score or mark the surface of (something) with a sharp or pointed object
(e.g: the car's paintwork was battered and scratched)

- cancel or strike out (writing) with a pen or pencil
(e.g: the name of Dr McNab was scratched out and that of Dr Dunstaple substituted)

- play a record using the scratch technique
(e.g: he raps and scratches simultaneously to dazzling effect)


Phrases:
- from scratch
- scratch a — and find a —
- scratch one's head
- scratch the surface
- up to scratch
- you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours

Origin:
late Middle English: probably a blend of the synonymous dialect words scrat and cratch, both of uncertain origin; compare with Middle Low German kratsen and Old High German krazzōn

[skratʃ], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a mark or wound made by scratching
(e.g: the scratches on her arm were throbbing)

- a technique, used especially in rap music, of stopping a record by hand and moving it back and forwards to give a rhythmic scratching effect
(e.g: a scratch mix)

- (in sport) the starting point in a race for a competitor that is not given a handicap or advantage
(e.g: a 631-metres handicap, when the excellent stayer, Too Fast, will be off scratch)

- money
(e.g: he was working to get some scratch together)


Phrases:
- from scratch
- scratch a — and find a —
- scratch one's head
- scratch the surface
- up to scratch
- you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours

Origin:
late Middle English: probably a blend of the synonymous dialect words scrat and cratch, both of uncertain origin; compare with Middle Low German kratsen and Old High German krazzōn

[skratʃ], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- assembled or made from whatever is available, and so unlikely to be of the highest quality
(e.g: City were fielding a scratch squad)

- (of a sports competitor or event) with no handicap given
(e.g: he was a scratch player at many courses)


Phrases:
- from scratch
- scratch a — and find a —
- scratch one's head
- scratch the surface
- up to scratch
- you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours

Origin:
late Middle English: probably a blend of the synonymous dialect words scrat and cratch, both of uncertain origin; compare with Middle Low German kratsen and Old High German krazzōn