Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skīth stick of wood — more at ski
Date: circa 1610
1: one of a group of objects (as planks or logs) used to support or elevate a structure or object 2: a wooden fender hung over a ship's side to protect it in handling cargo 3: a usually iron shoe or clog attached to a chain and placed under a wheel to prevent its turning when descending a steep hill :drag 4: a timber, bar, rail, pole, or log used in pairs or sets to form a slideway (as for an incline from a truck to the sidewalk) 5: the act of skidding :slip, sideslip 6: a runner used as a member of the landing gear of an airplane or helicopter 7 aplural: a route to defeat or downfall <on the skids><his career hit the skids>b: a losing streak <a 5-game skid> 8: a low platform mounted (as on wheels) on which material is set for handling and moving; also:pallet 3