Main Entry: ¹skir·mish

Pronunciation: \ˈskər-mish\

Function: noun

Etymology: 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

Date: 14th century

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>