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Definition of: skirmish
(skûr′mish) v.i.
To fight in a preliminary or desultory way.
—noun
1. A light engagement, as between small parties; desultory fighting between two armies on a skirmish line.
2. Figuratively, any light movement or operation evasive of the main contention or business. See synonyms under BATTLE. [<OF eskermiss-, stem of eskermir fence, fight <Gmc. Cf. OHG skirman defend <skirm shield. Related to SCRIMMAGE.]
—skir′·mish·er noun
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