Definition of: scratch

(skrach) v.t.
1. To tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or rough.
2. To scrape or dig with something sharp or rough, as the claws or nails.
3. To scrape lightly with the nails, etc., as to relieve itching.
4. To rub with a grating sound; scrape.
5. To write or draw awkwardly or hurriedly.
6. To erase or cancel by or as by scratches or marks.
7. To erase or cancel the name of (a candidate) from a political ticket, while supporting the rest of the ticket; also, to bolt (a ticket or party) in this way.
8. To withdraw (an entry) from a race, game, etc.
—v.i.
9. To use the nails or claws, as in fighting or digging.
10. To scrape the skin, etc., lightly, as to relieve itching.
11. To make a grating noise.
12. To manage or get along with difficulty.
13. To withdraw from a game, race, etc.
14. In billiards and pool, to make a scratch.
—noun
1. A mark or incision made on a surface by scratching; a shallow mark, groove, furrow, or channel.
2. A slight flesh wound or cut.
3. The line from which contestants start, as in racing: to start from scratch.
4. The contestant who competes against an allowance: also scratch–man.
5. Slang Money.
6. A disease of horses, consisting of dry scabs or chaps on the heel: also scratch′es.
7. In billiards, a chance shot; also, a fluke; in billiards and pool, a shot resulting in a penalty; specifically, a shot in which the cue ball goes into a pocket, leaves the table, or fails to hit an object ball.
—from scratch From the beginning; from nothing.
—up to scratch Colloq. Meeting the standard or requirement in courage, stamina, or performance; in proper or fit condition: He was never up to scratch in writing.
—adjective
1. Done by chance; haphazard.
2. In sports, without handicap or allowance.
3. Made as, or used for, a first try: a scratch pad.
4. Chosen at random or by chance: a scratch team. [Prob. blend of ME scratte scratch (prob. <Scand.; cf. Sw. kratta rake) and cracchen scratch <MDu. cratsen]
—scratch′er noun