Scum (?), n. [Of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. & Sw. skum, Icel. skm, LG. schum, D. schuim, OHG. scm, G. schaum; probably from a root meaning, to cover. &root;158. Cf. Hide skin, Meerschaum, Skim, v., Sky.]
1.
The extraneous matter or impurities which rise to the surface of liquids in boiling or fermentation, or which form on the surface by other means; also, the scoria of metals in a molten state; dross.
Some to remove the scum it did rise.
Spenser.
2.
refuse; recrement; anything vile or worthless.
The great and innocent are insulted by the scum and refuse of the people.
Addison.
© Webster 1913.
Scum, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scummed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Scumming (?).]
1.
To take the scum from; to clear off the impure matter from the surface of; to skim.
You that scum the molten lead.
Dryden & Lee.
2.
To sweep or range over the surface of.
[Obs.]
Wandering up and down without certain seat, they lived by scumming those seas and shores as pirates.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.
Scum, v. i.
To form a scum; to become covered with scum. Also used figuratively.
Life, and the interest of life, have stagnated and scummed over.
A. K. H. Boyd.
© Webster 1913.