scarf2

 
Pronunciation: /skɑːf/

verb

[with object]
  • 1join the ends of (two pieces of timber or metal) by bevelling or notching them so that they fit over or into each other: he forced me to scarf the keel timbers in watertight sections (as noun scarfing) the scarfing follows the natural grain of the wood
  • 2make an incision in the blubber of (a whale).

noun

  • 1a joint connecting two pieces of timber or metal in which the ends are bevelled or notched so that they fit over or into each other.
  • 2an incision made in the blubber of a whale.

Origin:

Middle English (as a noun): probably via Old French from Old Norse. The verb dates from the early 17th century