Old Scratch

noun

, Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.

1. the devil; Satan.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Old Scratch¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

That Obama has been going down to the metaphorical crossroads once too often and making compromises with Old Scratch?

From The Daily Beast

If 'twan't wicked I'd say that name was give you by the Old Scratch himself, as a sort of divilish joke.

From Project Gutenberg

But Jube, Jube he come right up to old scratch for us—very strong Jube—very brave, like lion.

From Project Gutenberg

"He can't play nothin' but two jig tunes and he plays them like the very Old Scratch," she snapped, with emphasis.

From Project Gutenberg

And couldn't you save enough of the—er—Old Scratch's words to find out what the old boy was talkin' about?

From Project Gutenberg

She done some noble cooking, 'specially as we wa'n't partic'lar, but we could see she had a temper to beat the Old Scratch.

From Project Gutenberg