offscouring

noun

off·​scour·​ing ˈȯf-ˌskau̇(-ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce offscouring (audio)
1
: someone rejected by society : outcast
2
: something that is scoured off : refuse

Examples of offscouring in a Sentence

the foundry's offscouring was the neighborhood's eyesore the hills are controlled by bandits and other unsavory offscourings who have taken up a life outside the law
Recent Examples on the Web The first-century audience to whom Jesus was teaching was comprised mainly of peasants, tradesmen, farmers, shepherds, the unemployed and the offscouring of society. Loren A. Yadon, idahostatesman, 8 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'offscouring.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of offscouring was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near offscouring

Cite this Entry

“Offscouring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offscouring. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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