Scotching

scotch ¹  (skch)

tr.v. scotched, scotch·ing, scotch·es

1. To put an abrupt end to: The prime minister scotched the rumors of her illness with a public appearance.

2. To injure so as to render harmless.

3. To cut or score.

n.

1. A surface cut or abrasion.

2. A line drawn on the ground, as one used in playing hopscotch.

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[Middle English scocchen, to cut, perhaps from Anglo-Norman escocher, to notch : es-, intensive pref. (from Latin ex-; see ex-) + Old French coche, notch (probably from Latin coccum, scarlet oak berry, from Greek kokkos).]

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scotch ²  (skch)

tr.v. scotched, scotch·ing, scotch·es

To block (a wheel, for example) with a prop to prevent rolling or slipping.

n.

A block or wedge used as a prop behind or under an object likely to roll.

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[Origin unknown.]