scratches

Noun

scratch (countable and uncountable, plural scratches)

1. A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
   • I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.
2. An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
   • The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
3. A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.
   • He started a few seconds before the time and came up in speed to the scratch at the moment appointed.1820, Reuben Percy, Sholto Percy, The Percy Anecdotes
4. A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.
5. The last riders to depart in a handicap race.
   • Eventually the elephant and camel were despatched by themselves with two laps start of the bicyclist and horse, the motor car being scratch.1901, “Gleanings”, in The Agricultural Journal and Mining Record, volume 4, number 1, page 31
6. A foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.

See all 36 meanings of scratch