SCARF

When two pieces of timber are joined together, so that the end of one goes over the end of the other, being tapered so that the one may be set into the other, and become even, they are said to be scarsed: such are the keel-pieces. But when the ends of the two pieces are cut square, and put together, they are laid to butt to one another: and when another piece is laid upon, and fastened to both, as is the case in all the frame-timbers, this is called scarfing the timbers ; and half the piece which fastens the two timbers together is reckoned the length of the scarf. Murray's ship-building.

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