singe 
(sĭnj)
(sĭnj)tr.v. singed, singe·ing, sing·es
1. To burn superficially; scorch.
2. To burn off the feathers or bristles of (a carcass of a bird or animal) by subjecting briefly to flame. See Synonyms at burn1.
3. To burn the ends of (hair, for example).
4. To burn the nap from (cloth) in manufacturing.
n.
A slight or surface burn; a scorch.
[Middle English sengen, from Old English sengan.]