scour1
v.
- clean or brighten by vigorous rubbing, typically with an abrasive or detergent.
▸remove (dirt or unwanted matter) by rubbing in such a way.
- (of running water) erode (a channel or pool).
- (of livestock) suffer from diarrhoea.
n.
- the action of scouring or the state of being scoured.
-
(also scours)
diarrhoea in livestock, especially cattle and pigs.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from MDu., Mid. Low Ger. schūren, from OFr. escurer, from late L. excurare ‘clean (off)’.
scour2
v.
- subject to a thorough search.
- move rapidly.
Etymology
ME: rel. to obs. scour ‘moving hastily’, of unknown origin.