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scoff¹

(skŏf, skôf)

v. scoffed, scoff·ing, scoffs

v.intr.

To show or express derision or scorn: scoffed at their complaints.

v.tr.

To say in a derisive manner: "Are you confused yet?" the instructor scoffed.

[Middle English scoffen, from scof, mockery, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish skof, jest, teasing.]

scoffer n.

scoffing·ly adv.

scoff²

(skŏf, skôf)

v. scoffed, scoff·ing, scoffs
Slang

v.tr.

To eat (food) quickly and greedily.

v.intr.

To eat greedily.

[Alteration of obsolete scaff.]

scoffer n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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