noun
- the back of the neck, especially of an animal
- a scruffy or unkempt person
Usage: informal
Examples
- The mother cat carried her kitten by the scruff of its neck.
- The veterinarian gently held the dog by the scruff during the examination.
- He grabbed the puppy by the scruff to lift it safely.
- The old scruff hadn’t shaved in weeks.
- Don’t be such a scruff – comb your hair before the interview.
- She picked up the rabbit by the scruff to move it to safety.