1. To use the claws or nails in tearing or in digging; to make
scratches.
Dull, tame things, . . . that will neither bite nor scratch. Dr. H.
More.
2. (Billiards)
Defn: To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game. [Cant, U.S.]
SCRATCH
Scratch, n.
1. A break in the surface of a thing made by scratching, or by rubbing with anything pointed or rough; a slight wound, mark, furrow, or incision. The coarse file . . . makes deep scratches in the work. Moxon. These nails with scratches deform my breast. Prior. God forbid a shallow scratch should drive The prince of Wales from such a field as this. Shak.
2. (Pugilistic Matches)
Defn: A line across the prize ring; up to which boxers are brought when they join fight; hence, test, trial, or proof of courage; as, to bring to the scratch; to come up to the scratch. [Cant] Grose.
3. pl. (Far.)
Defn: Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy. Law (Farmer's Veter. Adviser).
4. A kind of wig covering only a portion of the head.