start from scratch
(gcide) | Scratch \Scratch\, n.
1. A break in the surface of a thing made by scratching, or
by rubbing with anything pointed or rough; a slight wound,
mark, furrow, or incision.
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The coarse file . . . makes deep scratches in the
work. --Moxon.
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These nails with scratches deform my breast.
--Prior.
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God forbid a shallow scratch should drive
The prince of Wales from such a field as this.
--Shak.
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2. (Pugilistic Matches) A line across the prize ring; up to
which boxers are brought when they join fight; hence,
test, trial, or proof of courage; as, to bring to the
scratch; to come up to the scratch. [Cant] --Grose.
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3. pl. (Far.) Minute, but tender and troublesome,
excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses
which have been used where it is very wet or muddy. --Law
(Farmer's Veter. Adviser).
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4. A kind of wig covering only a portion of the head.
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5. (Billiards)
(a) A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by
the player; a fluke. [Cant, U. S.]
(b) a shot which results in a penalty, such as dropping
the cue ball in a pocket without hitting another ball.
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6. In various sports, the line from which the start is made,
except in the case of contestants receiving a distance
handicap.
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Scratch cradle. See Cratch cradle, under Cratch.
Scratch grass (Bot.), a climbing knotweed ({Polygonum
sagittatum}) with a square stem beset with fine recurved
prickles along the angles.
Scratch wig. Same as Scratch, 4, above. --Thackeray.
start from scratch to start (again) from the very
beginning; also, to start without resources.
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