Definition of "scratch" []

• To make a thin shallow cut or mark on (a surface) with a sharp instrument. (verb-transitive)
• To use the nails or claws to dig or scrape at. (verb-transitive)
• To rub or scrape (the skin) to relieve itching. (verb-transitive)
• To scrape or strike on an abrasive surface. (verb-transitive)
• To write or draw (something) by scraping a surface: scratched their initials on a rock. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Later he was roused by a "_Scratch, scratch, scratch_" close to him."
• "Not going to buy it ... * scratch scratch* ... not going to buy it."
• "There is what they call the scratch line, and when the dog crosses that line he is “scratched,” meaning he has full intent to get involved in the fight."