Etymology: Middle English scor, from Old Norse skor notch, tally, twenty; akin to Old English scieran to cut — more at shear
Date: 14th century
1or pluralscorea:twentyb: a group of 20 things —often used in combination with a cardinal number <fourscore>c: an indefinitely large number 2 a: a line (as a scratch or incision) made with or as if with a sharp instrument b (1): a mark used as a starting point or goal (2): a mark used for keeping account 3 a: an account or reckoning originally kept by making marks on a tally b: amount due :indebtedness 4:grudge<a score to settle> 5 a:reason, ground<was accepted on the score of high academic achievement>b:subject, topic<has nothing to say on that score> 6 a: the copy of a musical composition in written or printed notation b: a musical composition; specifically: the music for a movie or theatrical production c: a complete description of a dance composition in choreographic notation 7 a: a number that expresses accomplishment (as in a game or test) or excellence (as in quality) either absolutely in points gained or by comparison to a standard b: an act (as a goal, run, or touchdown) in any of various games or contests that gains points 8: success in obtaining something (as money or drugs) especially through illegal or irregular means 9: the stark inescapable facts of a situation <knows the score>