Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or sound of rubbing a surface with a hard or sharp object: "scraping" can refer to the action of moving something hard across a surface, often to remove material from it, or the harsh, grating sound this action produces.
   • A fragment removed by scraping: "scraping" (often used in the plural form scrapings) refers to the small pieces or particles that are removed from a surface by the act of scraping.
   • An excessively humble or obsequious bow: In a figurative and somewhat archaic sense, "scraping" can describe a deep, servile bow, often accompanied by drawing the foot back.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Act/Sound):
  • The scraping of the shovel on the concrete was an unpleasant noise.
  • He finished the job with a final scraping of the old paint from the door.
• Noun (Fragments):
  • The archaeologist carefully collected the pottery scrapings for further study.
  • The recipe calls for adding the scrapings from the vanilla bean pod.
• Noun (Obsequious bow):
  • The old comedy portrayed servants engaged in constant bowing and scraping.

Advanced Usage

• "Bowing and scraping": This idiom describes behavior that is excessively humble, obedient, or flattering, often to gain favor. It implies a lack of dignity or sincerity.
  • I'm tired of all the bowing and scraping you have to do in that corporate culture.

Variants and Related Words

• Scrape (verb/noun): The root word. As a verb, it means to rub a surface with something sharp or hard. As a noun, it can mean the act, the sound, or a difficult situation (e.g., ).
• Scraper (noun): A tool used for scraping.
  • He used a paint scraper to remove the old varnish.

Synonyms

• Grating: Producing a harsh, rasping sound.
• Fragments: Small broken pieces or parts.
• Groveling: Acting in an obsequious way to gain forgiveness or favor.

Related Phrases

• Scrape together/up (phrasal verb): To collect or gather something, especially money, with difficulty.
  • We managed to scrape together enough cash for the train tickets.
• Scrape through (phrasal verb): To just barely succeed or pass.
  • He scraped through the exam with a grade of 61%.

Related Idioms

• Scrape the bottom of the barrel: To use the last and worst resources or options available because nothing better is left.
  • Hiring him shows they're really scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Noun

1. a deep bow with the foot drawn backwards (indicating excessive humility)
   • all that bowing and scraping did not impress him
2. a harsh noise made by scraping
   • the scrape of violin bows distracted her
3. (usually plural) a fragment scraped off of something and collected
   • they collected blood scrapings for analysis