transitive verb singed, singeing singe′·ing

1. to burn superficially or slightly
2. to expose (the carcass of an animal or fowl) to flame in removing bristles or feathers
3. to burn the nap from (cloth) as a process of manufacture
4. to burn the tips of (hair), as after a haircut

Etymology: ME sengen < OE sengan, akin to Ger sengen < IE base *senk-, to burn, dry out > OSlav isočiti, to dry, sǫcilo, oven

noun

1. the act of singeing
2. a superficial burn