Though we all wish for the most obvious definition when reminding the scouts that A Scout Is Clean, I don’t think it’s the definition that the Scout Law is talking about. Besides, hoping for non-smelly, non-dirt covered, boys is like hoping to win the lottery two days in a row. It just isn’t natural. Not to mention, if they aren’t covered in dirt, they aren’t having enough fun.
No, I do believe that four of the definitions below best capture the meaning of Clean in the scouting world. The scouts should strive to be clean in their heart, minds, mouth, and ways. They should take pride and honor in performnig their ceremonies without mockery.
CLEAN
1. Free from dirt or filth; as, clean clothes.
2. Free from that which is useless or injurious; without defects; as, clean land; clean timber.
3. Free from awkwardness; not bungling; adroit; dexterous; as, aclean trick; a clean leap over a fence.
4. Free from errors and vulgarisms; as, a clean style.
5. Free from restraint or neglect; complete; entire.
When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of corners of thy field. –Lev. xxiii. 22.
6. Free from moral defilement; sinless; pure.
Create in me a clean heart, O God. –Ps. li. 10
That I am whole, and clean, and meet for Heaven –Tennyson.
7. (Script.) Free from ceremonial defilement.
8. Free from that which is corrupting to the morals; pure in tone; healthy.
“Lothair is clean.” –F. Harrison.
9. Well-proportioned; shapely; as, clean limbs
