Definition of "scouring" [scouring]

• The act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush, soap and water (noun)
• Diarrhoea (noun)
• Present participle of scour. (verb)

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• "In the cities, hours were spent, usually by the mother and children, in scouring the streets for coal and hauling it home."
• "The little ladies were heated by discussion and the parson by vain scouring of the country on foot, when they asked his advice upon their project, and related their conversation with the lawyer."
• "It becomes saturated with offensive matter, which scouring is only wanted to bring out."