—n. - layer of dirt, froth, etc. At the top of liquid.
- derog. Worst part, person, or group (scum of the earth). —v. (-mm-) 1 remove scum from.
- form a scum (on). scummy adj. (-ier, -iest). [low german or dutch]
SCUT
n. Short tail, esp. Of a hare, rabbit, or deer. [origin unknown]
SDLP
abbr. (in n. Ireland) social democratic and labour party.
SEAL
—n. - piece of stamped wax, lead, paper, etc., attached to a document or to a receptacle, envelope, etc., to guarantee authenticity or security.
- engraved piece of metal etc. For stamping a design on a seal.
- substance or device used to close a gap etc.
- anything regarded as a confirmation or guarantee (seal of approval).
- decorative adhesive stamp. —v. - close securely or hermetically.
- stamp, fasten, or fix with a seal.
- certify as correct with a seal or stamp.
- (often foll. By up) confine securely.
- settle or decide (their fate is sealed).
- (foll. By off) prevent entry to or exit from (an area). set one's seal to (or on) authorize or confirm. [latin sigillum]
- —n. Fish-eating amphibious marine mammal with flippers. —v. Hunt for seals. [old english]
SEAM
bowler n. Cricket bowler who makes the ball deviate by bouncing it off its seam.
- —n. - line where two edges join, esp. Of cloth or boards.
- fissure between parallel edges.
- wrinkle.
- stratum of coal etc. —v. - join with a seam.
- (esp. As seamed adj.) Mark or score with a seam. seamless adj. [old english]
SEAR
v. - scorch, cauterize.
- cause anguish to.
- brown (meat) quickly at a high temperature to retain its juices in cooking. [old english]
SEAT
—n. - thing made or used for sitting on.
- a buttocks. B part of a garment covering them.
- part of a chair etc. On which the buttocks rest.
- place for one person in a theatre etc.
- position as an mp, committee member, etc., or the right to occupy it.
- supporting or guiding part of a machine.
- location (seat of learning).
- country mansion.
- manner of sitting on a horse etc. —v. - cause to sit.
- provide sitting accommodation for (bus seats 50).
- (as seated adj.) Sitting.
- put or fit in position. be seated sit down. By the seat of one's pants colloq. By instinct rather than knowledge. Take a seat sit down. [old norse: related to *sit]
SECT
n. - group sharing (usu. Unorthodox) religious, political, or philosophical doctrines.
- (esp. Exclusive) religious denomination. [latin sequor follow]
SEED
—n. - a part of a plant capable of developing into another such plant. B seeds collectively, esp. For sowing.
- semen.
- prime cause, beginning.
- offspring, descendants.
- (in tennis etc.) Seeded player. —v. - a place seeds in. B sprinkle (as) with seed.
- sow seeds.
- produce or drop seed.
- remove seeds from (fruit etc.).
- place a crystal etc. In (a cloud) to produce rain.
- sport a so position (a strong competitor in a knockout competition) that he or she will not meet other strong competitors in early rounds. B arrange (the order of play) in this way. go (or run) to seed 1 cease flowering as seed develops.
- become degenerate, unkempt, etc. seedless adj. [old english]
SEEK
v. (past and past part. Sought) 1 (often foll. By for, after) search or inquire.
- a try or want to find or get or reach (sought my hand). B request (sought help).
- endeavour (seek to please). seek out 1 search for and find.
- single out as a friend etc. seeker n. [old english]
