start from scratch

Scratch Scratch, n. 1. A break in the surface of a thing made by scratching, or by rubbing with anything pointed or rough; a slight wound, mark, furrow, or incision. [1913 Webster]

The coarse file . . . makes deep scratches in the work. --Moxon. [1913 Webster]

These nails with scratches deform my breast. --Prior. [1913 Webster]

God forbid a shallow scratch should drive The prince of Wales from such a field as this. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. (Pugilistic Matches) A line across the prize ring; up to which boxers are brought when they join fight; hence, test, trial, or proof of courage; as, to bring to the scratch; to come up to the scratch. [Cant] --Grose. [1913 Webster]

3. pl. (Far.) Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy. --Law (Farmer's Veter. Adviser). [1913 Webster]

4. A kind of wig covering only a portion of the head. [1913 Webster]

5. (Billiards) (a) A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by the player; a fluke. [Cant, U. S.] (b) a shot which results in a penalty, such as dropping the cue ball in a pocket without hitting another ball. [1913 Webster +PJC]

6. In various sports, the line from which the start is made, except in the case of contestants receiving a distance handicap. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

{Scratch cradle}. See {Cratch cradle}, under {Cratch}.

{Scratch grass} (Bot.), a climbing knotweed ({Polygonum sagittatum}) with a square stem beset with fine recurved prickles along the angles.

{Scratch wig}. Same as {Scratch}, 4, above. --Thackeray.

{start from scratch} to start (again) from the very beginning; also, to start without resources. [1913 Webster]