Scarf, n.; pl. Scarfs, rarely Scarves (skärvz). [Cf. OF. escharpe a
pilgrim's scrip, or wallet (hanging about the neck), F. écharpe sash,
scarf; probably from OHG. scharpe pocket; also (from the French) Dan.
skiærf; Sw. skärp, Prov. G. schärfe, LG. scherf, G. schärpe; and also
AS. scearf a fragment; possibly akin to E. scrip a wallet. Cf. Scarp a
scarf.] An article of dress of a light and decorative character, worn
loosely over the shoulders or about the neck or the waist; a light
shawl or handkerchief for the neck; also, a cravat; a neckcloth.
Put on your hood and scarf.
Swift.
With care about the banners, scarves, and staves.
R. Browning.
Scarf, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scarfed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Scarfing.] 1.
To throw on loosely; to put on like a scarf. "My sea-gown scarfed about
me." Shak.
2. To dress with a scarf, or as with a scarf; to cover with a loose
wrapping. Shak.
Scarf, v. t. [Sw. skarfva to eke out, to join together, skarf a seam,
joint; cf. Dan. skarre to joint, to unite timber, Icel. skara to clinch
the planks of a boat, G. scharben to chop, to cut small.] (a) To form a
scarf on the end or edge of, as for a joint in timber, metal rods, etc.
(b) To unite, as two pieces of timber or metal, by a scarf joint.
Scarf (?), n. (a) In a piece which is to be united to another by a
scarf joint, the part of the end or edge that is tapered off, rabbeted,
or notched so as to be thinner than the rest of the piece. (b) A scarf
joint.
Scarf joint (a) A joint made by overlapping and bolting or locking
together the ends of two pieces of timber that are halved, notched, or
cut away so that they will fit each other and form a lengthened beam of
the same size at the junction as elsewhere. (b) A joint formed by
welding, riveting, or brazing together the overlapping scarfed ends, or
edges, of metal rods, sheets, etc. -- Scarf weld. See under Weld.
Scarf"skin` (?), n. (Anat.) See Epidermis.
Scar`i*fi*ca"tion (?), n. [L. scarificatio: cf. F. scarification.] The
act of scarifying.
Scar"i*fi*ca`tor (?), n. [Cf. F. scarificateur.] (Surg.) An instrument,
principally used in cupping, containing several lancets moved
simultaneously by a spring, for making slight incisions.
Scar"i*fi`er (?), n. 1. One who scarifies.