Possible Clues:

• A plait, say, to wear down
• Scour, say
• File a nail with end of file
• Wear a pigtail, we're told
• Scour a surface
• Wear one item of underwear by day with elastic top
• Wear away by rubbing, scrape
• Would 'e get into a scrape with a drab?
• A rough beard can scratch
• Rub off or scrape away