Scutch \Scutch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scutched; p. pr. & vb. n. Scutching.]

[See Scotch to cut slightly.]

1. To beat or whip; to drub. [Old or Prov. Eng. & Scot.]

2. To separate the woody fiber from (flax, hemp, etc.) by beating; to swingle.

3. To loosen and dress the fiber of (cotton or silk) by beating; to free (fibrous substances) from dust by beating and blowing.

Scutching machine, a machine used to scutch cotton, silk, or flax; -- called also batting machine.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)