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 movements2 a: a brisk preliminary verbal conflict b: a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties <the debate touched off a skirmish>