To scrape acquaintance
(gcide) | Scrape \Scrape\ (skr[=a]p), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scraped; p.
pr. & vb. n. Scraping.] [Icel. skrapa; akin to Sw. skrapa,
Dan. skrabe, D. schrapen, schrabben, G. schrappen, and prob.
to E. sharp.]
1. To rub over the surface of (something) with a sharp or
rough instrument; to rub over with something that roughens
by removing portions of the surface; to grate harshly
over; to abrade; to make even, or bring to a required
condition or form, by moving the sharp edge of an
instrument breadthwise over the surface with pressure,
cutting away excesses and superfluous parts; to make
smooth or clean; as, to scrape a bone with a knife; to
scrape a metal plate to an even surface.
[1913 Webster]
2. To remove by rubbing or scraping (in the sense above).
[1913 Webster]
I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her
like the top of a rock. --Ezek. xxvi.
4.
[1913 Webster]
3. To collect by, or as by, a process of scraping; to gather
in small portions by laborious effort; hence, to acquire
avariciously and save penuriously; -- often followed by
together or up; as, to scrape money together.
[1913 Webster]
The prelatical party complained that, to swell a
number the nonconformists did not choose, but
scrape, subscribers. --Fuller.
[1913 Webster]
4. To express disapprobation of, as a play, or to silence, as
a speaker, by drawing the feet back and forth upon the
floor; -- usually with down. --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
To scrape acquaintance, to seek acquaintance otherwise than
by an introduction. --Farquhar.
[1913 Webster]
He tried to scrape acquaintance with her, but failed
ignominiously. --G. W. Cable.
[1913 Webster] |