Definition of "scruff"

scruff¹

/skɹʌf/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural scruffs
1. Someone with an untidy appearance.
2. Stubble, facial hair (on males).
3. (obsolete) Crust.
4. (obsolete) Scurf.

scruff²

/skɹʌf/

noun
plural scruffs
1. The loose skin at the back of the neck of some animals.
2. (rare) The back of the neck, nape; also scruff of the neck.
verb
third-person singular simple present scruffs, present participle scruffing, simple past and past participle scruffed
1. (transitive) To lift or carry by the scruff.
  Quotations
  She gently scruffed the kitten who was trying to climb her leg.
  2023, Anastasia Ryan, You Should Smile More