In a general sense, any part of a liquor that separates from the rest, rises and collects on the surface. More particularly, the oily part of milk, which, when the milk stands unagitated in a cool place, rises and forms a scum on the surface, as it is specifically lighter than the other part of the liquor. This by agitation forms butter.

The best part of a thing; as the cream of a jest or story. Cream of lime, the scum of lime water; or that part of lime which, after being dissolved in its caustic state, separates from the water int he mild state of chalk or limestone. Cream of tartar, the scum of a boiling solution of tartar. The purified and crystalized supertartrate of potash.

To skim; to take off cream by skimming.

To take off the quintessence or best part of a thing.

To gather cream; to flower or mantle.

To grow stiff, or formal.