First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1skirmish
noun skir·mish \ˈskər-mish\
: a brief and usually unplanned fight during a war
: a minor or brief argument or disagreement
Full Definition of SKIRMISH
1
: a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements
2
a : a brisk preliminary verbal conflict b : a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties <the debate touched off a skirmish>
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Origin of SKIRMISH
Middle English skyrmissh, alteration (influenced by Anglo-French eskermir to fence (with swords), protect, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scirmen to protect, scirm shield) of skarmuch, from Anglo-French escarmuche, from Old Italian scaramuccia — more at screen
2skirmish
intransitive verb
: to be involved in a skirmish
Full Definition of SKIRMISH
1
: to engage in a skirmish
2
: to search about (as for supplies) : scout around
— skir·mish·er noun
First Known Use of SKIRMISH
14th century
SKIRMISH Defined for Kids
1skirmish
noun skir·mish \ˈskər-mish\
Definition of SKIRMISH for Kids
1
: a minor fight in war
2
: a minor argument
2skirmish
verb
skir·mishedskir·mish·ing
Definition of SKIRMISH for Kids
: to take part in a fight or dispute
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