scotch

¹

[ skoch ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put a definite end to; crush; stamp out; foil:

   to scotch a rumor; to scotch a plan.

2. to cut, gash, or score.
3. to injure so as to make harmless.
4. to block or prop with a wedge or chock.

noun

1. a cut, gash, or score.
2. a block or wedge put under a wheel, barrel, etc., to prevent slipping.

scotch

²

[ skoch ]

verb (used with object)

, Masonry.

1. scutch ( defs 2, 4 ).

Scotch

³

[ skoch ]

adjective

1. (used outside of Scotland) of Scottish origin; resembling or regarded as characteristic of Scotland or the Scottish people:

   Scotch plaid.

2. Sometimes Offensive. of or relating to Scotland or its inhabitants; Scottish.
3. (usually lowercase) Informal. frugal; provident; thrifty.

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) Sometimes Offensive. the inhabitants of Scotland; the Scots.
2. (often lowercase) Scotch whisky.
3. Sometimes Offensive. the English language as spoken in Scotland; Scots.

scotch

¹

/ skɒtʃ /

verb

1. tr to block, prop, or prevent from moving with or as if with a wedge

noun

1. a block or wedge to prevent motion

scotch

²

/ skɒtʃ /

verb

1. to put an end to; crush

   bad weather scotched our plans

2. archaic.
   to injure so as to render harmless
3. obsolete.
   to cut or score

noun

1. archaic.
   a gash; scratch
2. a line marked down, as for hopscotch

Scotch

³

/ skɒtʃ /

noun

1. Also calledScotch whisky whisky distilled esp from fermented malted barley and made in Scotland
2. a type of relatively mild beer

Scotch

⁴

/ skɒtʃ /

adjective

1. another word for Scottish

noun

1. the Scots or their language

Usage

In the north of England and in Scotland, Scotch is not used outside fixed expressions such as Scotch whisky. The use of Scotch for Scots or Scottish is otherwise felt to be incorrect, esp when applied to people

Confusables Note

The natives of Scotland refer to themselves as Scots or, in the singular, Scot, Scotsman, or Scotswoman. The related adjectives are Scottish or, less commonly, Scots. Scotch as a noun or adjective is objected to by the Scots except when used of whisky and in established phrases like Scotch egg and Scotch pine. In the United States, Scotch is often used in inforrmal speech and writing where the Scots themselves, or some Americans of Scottish descent, would prefer Scottish or Scots. The term Scotch-Irish is standard in the United States for the descendants of the Scots of Ulster who immigrated to America beginning in the 18th century.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scotch¹

1375–1425; late Middle English scocche (noun and v.), perhaps blend of score and notch (> Anglo-French escocher )

Origin of scotch²

First recorded in 1585–95; syncopated variant of Scottish

Word History and Origins

Origin of scotch¹

C17: of obscure origin

Origin of scotch²

C15: of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The 11 ingredients in the book — beans, calabaza, cassava, chayote, coconut, cornmeal, okra, plantains, rice, salted cod and scotch bonnet peppers — are all inherently Caribbean ingredients.

From Salon

The monks who terrify him come with a variety of agendas, some self-serving, some religious; some are sweet, some are violent, but all are understandably resistant to seeing their home torn down and livelihood scotched.

From Los Angeles Times

“RIP mate, and I really hope they serve scotch eggs up there!”

From Los Angeles Times

Watch his iconic scotch egg scene from The Office's 2003 Christmas special.

From BBC

Options include Grounded’s padded paper honeycomb, 3M’s scotch cushion lock and Duck Brand’s flourish honeycomb wrap.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bring down curtain
• bring to an end
• crush
• end
• nip in the bud
• put a stop to
• put an end to
• put paid to
• put the lid on
• squelch
• stamp out