scaly

comparative scalier · superlative scaliest

1. Covered or abounding with scales.

   a scaly fish  a scaly stem

   2 more examples

   If the lids of the eyes become inflamed and scaly, do not seek to remove the scales roughly, for they will bring the lashes with them.

   1876, Eliza Bisbee Duffey, Our Behaviour: A Manual of Etiquette and Dress of the Best American Society, Philadelphia

   Like scaly carp and feathered swan To nature's world we do belong.

   1988, “Mayhem Maybe”, in Ian Anderson (music), 20 Years of Jethro Tull, performed by Jethro Tull

   Synonyms: squamulose, lepidote, leprose · Antonyms: scaleless, esquamulose

2. Composed of scales lying over each other.

   a scaly bulb

3. Resembling scales, laminae, or layers.

   Synonyms: leprose

4. South Africadatedvulgarlow, mean.

   a scaly fellow

   1 more example

   This done, he removed the hat; and having touched his forehead lightly with a silk handkerchief, for the afternoon sun was warm, gazed about him with a grave distaste. “A scaly neighbourhood!” he murmured. The young man’s judgment was one at which few people with an eye for beauty would have cavilled.

   1923, P. G. Wodehouse, chapter II, in Leave It to Psmith

plural scalies

1. South AfricaThe scaly yellowfish (Labeobarbus natalensis).