To burn superficially; especially, to burn off the ends or projections of: as, to singe a fowl (to burn off the small downy or thready feathers left after plucking); to singe cloth or calico (to burn off the projecting pile or nap); to singe the hair of the head.To parch; make arid and dry.To act on with an effect similar to that of heat: said of extreme cold.Figuratively, to injure superficially; come near injuring seriously; harm.Synonyms Sear, etc. See scorch.n. A burning of the surface; a scorching; hence, a heat capable of singeing.n. An injury or hurt caused by singeing; a superficial burn.