  Our aim is to test the accretion scenario of lambda Boo stars. This model
predicts that a binary system with two early-type stars passing through a
diffuse cloud should both display the same superficial peculiarity. We carried
out a detailed abundance determination of three multiple systems hosting a
candidate lambda Boo star: the remarkable triple system HD 15164/65/65C and the
binary systems HD 193256/281 and HD 198160/161. The abundance analysis of HD
15164/65/65C shows a clear lambda Boo object (HD 15165) and two objects with
near solar composition (HD 15164 and 15165C). Notably, the presence of a lambda
Boo star (HD 15165) together with a near solar early-type object (HD 15164) is
difficult to explain under the accretion scenario. Also, the solar-like
composition derived for the late-type star of the system (HD 15165C) could be
used, for the first time, as a proxy for the initial composition of the lambda
Boo stars. Then, by reviewing abundance analysis of all known binary systems
with candidate lambda Boo stars from literature and including the systems
analyzed here, we find no binary/multiple system having two clear "bonafide"
lambda Boo stars, as expected from the accretion scenario. The closer
candidates to show two lambda Boo-like stars are HD 84948, HD 171948 and HD
198160; however, in our opinion they show mild rather than clear lambda Boo
patterns. Our results brings little support to the accretion scenario. Then,
there is an urgent need of additional binary and multiple systemsto be analyzed
through a detailed abundance analysis.[abridged]
