skilln.1
/skɪl/, U.S. /skɪl/ a. Reason as a faculty of the mind; the power of discrimination. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > [noun]
redeOE
witOE
skillc1175
skillwisenessa1200
reason?c1225
witsa1300
intellecta1398
rationala1398
understandinga1425
natural reason1440
rationabilitya1500
judgement1749
noesis1881
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1210 Ȝiff þu follȝhesst skill. & shæd. & witt. i gode þæwess.
c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 106 Wið skiles [?c1225 Cleo. schiles] ȝettunge [a1250 Nero adds þet is. hwonne þe schil & te heorte ne wið siggeð nout].
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 645 Þyn inwyt, þyn owne skyle, Aȝen þe seyþ and euermore wylle.
c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 273 Swylk men er noght led with skylle, Bot þai folow, ay, þair awen wille.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 457/2 Skyl, racio.
c1480 (a1400) St. Justina 709 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 172 Þane þu ma se be kyndly skil þat na man suld gyf treutht þaim til.
a1500 Ratis Raving i. 1763 He disspendyt his resone In wycis agan kindly skill.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > [noun]
shedc950
skilla1200
skillwisenessa1200
doomc1374
subtilitya1398
subtiltyc1405
subtletya1425
dijudication1549
choice1583
decernment1586
quiddity1602
discerning1608
discernance1612
sensea1616
sense of things1648
tact1797
appreciation1810
kokum1848
a1200 Vices & Virtues 139 Ða þinges ðe ne sculen ben iȝiuen, þa bieð to wiðhealden mid michele skele.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 193 Hadde he wel loked him wið skil, Ilc beste sulde don his wil.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 12807 Iohn ansquared þes men vn-tille wiþ milde wordes & wiþ skille.
?a1400 Morte Arth. 32 Skathylle Scottlande by skylle he skyftys as hym lykys.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xii. 260 Me think it suld accorde till skill To set stoutnes agane felony.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. diiii Sa yt the cause may be kend and knawin throw skill.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [noun] > sense of
skill1338
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 245 He praied to hold him stille,..& he suld do his wille, in alle þat skille mot se.
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xix. 279 Ne sholde no scorner ne scolde oute of skyl hym [sc. Temperance] brynge.
?c1470 G. Ashby Active Policy Prince 649 Do theim to be lettred right famously Wherby thei shall reule bi Reason and skele.
a1550 in R. Dyboski Songs, Carols & Other Misc. Poems (1908) 26 Grant thow me myn askyng, As reason wold, & skyll.
a. That which is reasonable, proper, right, or just. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [noun] > that which is
rightOE
skillc1175
right side1642
α.
β. 1340 Ayenbite (1866) 53 Þe ilke ne hyealdeþ scele ne mesure.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 13938 Of ȝur vnwitt qui ne wald ȝe blin,..And herken skil and hald resune?c1400 Ywaine & Gaw. 968 It es oft wemens will Tham forto blame that sais tham scill.c1175 Lamb. Hom. 61 God..ȝife us to him god iwil, and to alle men riht and skil.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 971 Sire kyng, we aske þe bot skyle.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 214 Yai dempt yaim efter yar will, Takand na kep to rycht na skill.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. ii. 19 I did hym neuer yit bot skill.
ΚΠ
a1300 Assump. Virg. 312 Now when it is my sones wille to hym y come, and that is skyle.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1425 Siðen men hauen holden [it] skil First to freinen ðe wimmanes wil.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 2635 As lord he þer abade, As gode skil wald be.
c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1859) i. viii. 6 In euery ryghtwys court skyle is that the actour be admytted to maken his compleynt.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) ix. 751 It is gret skill at men chasty Thi prowd vourdis.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. aii*v To mak you lord of your avne me think it grete skill.
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Aiiv It is reason and skyll we your pleasure fulfyll.
1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus i. f. 15 Madame, that is bot skill, To thair counsall hartlie applie I will.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > rightness or justice > [phrase]
with (also mid) righteOE
by right?a1160
skillc1250
of right?c1450
by rights1738
(a)
(b)1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 5825 He meked hym self ouer skyle, Pottes and dysshes for to swele.1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 7293 Dyners are oute of skyl and resun On þe Sunday, or hye messe be doun.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 18274 Qui gaf þou rede þis ilk iesu to crucifi, Wit-vten skil, vn-rightwisli?c1420 Chron. Vilod. 4010 Bot þou toke hurr lond from hurre withouȝt ony reson or skyll.c1480 (a1400) St. James Less 358 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 160 For til escuse hym of þe Ill, þat he had don agannis skill.c1250 Owl & Night. 186 May vr eyþer hwat he wile Mid rihte segge & myd skile.
a1400 Seuyn Sages (W.) 3750 When thou haues said to tham thi will, And gifen the dome, by right and scill.
c1400 26 Pol. Poems 24 Let eche man serue his charge in skylle.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) viii. 436 Me think men suld him luf of skill.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vi. l. 897 This is a lord.. To salus him ȝe may be propyr skill.
a. Cause, reason, or ground. Also with a and plural.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > cause or reason > [noun]
thingOE
cause?c1225
why1303
casec1325
chesounc1330
skillc1340
mannerc1390
reasona1398
springa1500
impulsion1605
vicissitude1605
whereforea1616
hoti1646
dioti1651
secret1738
α.
β. 1340 Ayenbite (1866) 11 This heste uorbyet wyl to habbe oþre manne þing by wyckede scele.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 9389 Yon was a rightwis dom, Als yee sal se wit rightwis scill.c1400 Ywaine & Gaw. 293 I sayd, How so? tel me thi scill.c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 229 The secounde schyle ys that thou shalle dye.c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 1767 Bodily dede here dredes ful many, For twa skilles principaly.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 358 To make werres and to pile For lucre and for non other skyle.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14833 He has vs wonnen wit maistri, And we sal sceu yow sckil for-qui.
c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1859) i. xiii. 9 And that I preue by this skile.
c1440 Gesta Romanorum (Harl.) i. 2 Goode Sir, tell me why and what skile, þat þou so beholdest me?
1537 State P. Hen. VIII I. 551 We haue, for sundry skylles, thought it more convenyent to..differre our journey.
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Rogation Week ii. sig. P ppp iv b For many other skils it is wisedom to knowe..that all goodes..be of God.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iv. 152 I thinke you haue As little skill to feare, as I haue purpose To put you to't. View more context for this quotation
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 280 Thinking the Lion to be couchant for a skill, that he might be rampant after.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > process of reasoning, ratiocination > argument, source of conviction > [noun]
reasonc1230
skill1303
argumentc1374
motivec1443
enarrative1575
dispute1593
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 4263 Þan ys þys Terlyncels skylle, ‘Slepe þou long, and y shal hele’.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 11581 Seynt Austyn seyþ þys skyl, Do þyr-aftyr who so wyl.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 104 For ye have told me such a skile Of this ensample.
c1400 Ywaine & Gaw. 3451 When the king had tald this scill.
c1425 Cast. Persev. 2532 in Macro Plays Coueytyse, þou seyst a good skyl..; al þi byddynge don I wyl.
a. One's case or cause. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > one's case
cause1297
skilla1300
intentc1575
case1592
a1300 E.E. Psalter xlii. 1 Deme me,..and schede mi skil [L. causa] Fra men þat noght be hali wil.
a1300 E.E. Psalter lxxiii. 23.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > [noun] > a judgement, ruling
doomc825
judging1357
verdictc1386
determination1395
judgement?a1400
skillc1400
decision1467
date1488
arrest1509
resolution1545
pronouncement1593
resultance1610
decreea1642
placit1641
pronounce1641
placitum1649
vardy1738
deliverance1856
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 709 Now haf þay skyfted my skyl & scorned natwre.
ΚΠ
1568 in J. Small Poems W. Dunbar (1893) II. 307 Wyismen said, he did nane skill.
a. In the phrase can (or could) skill, to have discrimination or knowledge, esp. in a specified matter. Usually const. of, in, or to with infinitive. Obsolete.The phrase is an adoption of the Old Norse kunna skil. In later use, when not accompanied by an adjective, skill was probably in most cases apprehended as a verb (cf. skill v.1 4b). The construction with of is extremely common c1525–1640.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > have knowledge, know [verb (transitive)]
i-witec900
wit971
yknowOE
canOE
i-kenc1000
seeOE
yknowOE
understanda1131
knowlOE
can (or could) skillc1340
cona1387
havec1405
kyd1530
weeta1547
digest1549
wist1580
wis1606
savvy1686
sabe1850
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > discriminate, distinguish [phrase]
to tell tother (or t'other) from whicha1325
can (or could) skillc1340
tella1425
to thread the difference1627
to cut (to) a thread (between)1647
to draw the line1766
(a)
(b)a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 345 [Saturnus] kouþe skile of vynes and in repynge and in telyenge of feeldes.a1450 Knt. de la Tour (1868) 34 It is a gret perille to beginne to haue langage with suche men that canne skille of the worlde.1526 Bible (Tyndale) Luke xii. f. xcviijv Ye can skyll of the fassion of the erth, and of the skye.a1552 J. Leland Itinerary (1711) II. 24 One Thomas Long..could skille of the Law.1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer iii. sig. Cc.ii Manye..that could aswel skill in ruling Cities & armies, as men can.1574 A. Gilby tr. Test. Twelue Patriarches sig. Kviii A holy man..passeth not how men dishonour him; neither can he skill of any guile.1613 G. Chapman Reuenge Bussy D'Ambois v. sig. K4 Since I could skill of man.1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 19 One that could well skill in Manuall Rhetorique.1647 J. Trapp Comm. Epist. & Rev. (2 Cor. xii. 19) But Saint Paul could not skill of those arts.(c)1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 269 Thei have not a capitain that can skill how to use victorie, when he hath it.1590 R. Greene Neuer too Late i. 42 Seigneur Francesco..coulde well skill to court all kinde of degrees.1601 A. Dent Plaine Mans Path-way to Heauen 85 Many such men as you are, can skill to giue good words.1676 J. Evelyn Philos. Disc. Earth 49 We could skill to modifie also the Air about them.1869 J. Ingelow Lily & Lute i. 82 Could he skill to make it seen As he saw?c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience Prol. 198 Ilk cristen man and weman Þat has witte and mynd, and skille can,..Suld be bughsom ay [etc.].
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes ii. xxiv. 137 By the aduys of them that best can skyle thees pale~bordes shal be sette.
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Diiii But some man wolde conuey and can not skyll.
1581 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha i. i. 4 Let them iudge that can skil.
ΚΠ
c1350 Leg. Rood (1871) 71 Þai trowed to turn life him vntill, For þai kowth þan none oþer skill.
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 1628 Ascaunce þat þey were lewde, And coude no skill of marchandise.
1479 W. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 184 He can good skylle to helpe in this mat[er] of the benefice of Oxned.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin ii. 27 Thei can knowe many thinges be force of clergie that we ne can no skyle on.
c1518 R. Pace in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 186 They couith goodde skele in byldyngs.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxiiii Lette the wole be..wounden with a wole wynder, that canne good skyll therof.
1532 G. Hervet tr. Xenophon Treat. Househ. (1768) 52 A carpenter..that can good skylle therof.
?1544 J. Heywood Foure PP sig. B.ivv Yet in lyeng I can some skyll And yf I shall be iudge I wyll.
1578 T. Proctor Gorgious Gallery sig. Aiiv Talke thou of that, wherin some skill thou can.
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. viii. 119 Their greatest Philosophers could lesse skill of the nature..of the Tydes.
1710 A. Philips Pastorals iv. 23 No Skill of Musick can I, simple Swain.
6. † c. An art or science. Obsolete.† d. A skilled person. Obsolete. rare.
a. Capability of accomplishing something with precision and certainty; practical knowledge in combination with ability; cleverness, expertness. Also, an ability to perform a function, acquired or learnt with practice (usually plural). Frequently const. to with infinitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun]
craftOE
skilla1300
quaintnessc1390
craftiness?a1425
curiousnessc1440
skilfulness1561
virtuosoship1920
multi-skilling1983
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > a skill
handa1398
proficiencya1662
skill1932
a1300 Cursor Mundi 26181 Ga Til a wijser to sceu þi wond, Þat skill has for to mak it sond.
?1553 Respublica (1952) iv. iv. 38 Will ye beleve people that hath no manier of skill to iudge or to descerne what thing is good or yll?
1594 M. Drayton Matilda sig. Bv Though all the world bewitched with his ryme, Yet all his skill cannot excuse her cryme.
1628 E. Coke 1st Pt. Inst. Lawes Eng. 3 b If these..bee granted to a man that is unexpert, and hath no skill and science to exercise..the same.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 549 To stand upright Will ask thee skill . View more context for this quotation
1738 J. Wesley Coll. Psalms & Hymns (new ed.) cxxxix. 4 Heav'n, Earth, and Sea,..Shew me thy wond'rous Skill.
1785 W. Cowper Task vi. 619 That oft we owe our safety to a skill We could not teach.
1785 W. Cowper Task iii. 407 No works..but such as may amuse.., demanding rather skill than force.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 543 Utterly destitute of the skill necessary to the conduct of great affairs.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People viii. §1. 452 The boy inherited his father's skill on lute and organ.
1932 H. G. Wells Work, Wealth & Happiness Mankind xvi. 808 Unforgettable memories, obstinate prepossessions, life-worn traditions, obsolete skills and responses.
1938 English 2 20 It is the function of the educator..to enable the pupils to appropriate and use all that preceding generations have learnt, the useful skills, the practical knowledge, the social organizations, the moral principles.
1945 Times 29 Sept. 4/6 There is a sizeable body in Congress which believes..that this country should secure the greatest possible political advantage from its present monopoly of the actual manufacturing skills.
1958 Listener 12 June 976/2 There are ages of maturation at which it is appropriate to teach children skills like reading.
1964 P. Strevens Papers in Lang. (1965) ii. 25 The national needs for foreign language skills in the nineteen-sixties are of a different order.
1975 Lang. for Life (Dept. Educ. & Sci.) xiii. 198 The advocates of this form of organisation say that these conditions lead to an assured attention to the ‘basic skills’.
1980 Times 29 Feb. 19 For the advertising agencies a restricted market means that their skills will be needed more than ever.
b. Const. in (also archaic of) a subject, practice, etc.
ΚΠ
1553 R. Eden in tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India Pref. sig. Ajv Whiche viage is sufficiently knowen to suche as haue any skyll in Geographie.
1590 R. Harvey Plaine Percevall 9 Euery cut-purse vseth them..that hath had any skill in his miniken Handsaw.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. ii. §6 Their great skill in Astronomy is attested by Diodorus.
1676 J. Ray Corr. (1848) 122 This author..hath good skill in the feeding and ordering of singing-birds.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 78. ⁋9 Who shows as much Liberality in his Practice as he does..Skill in his Profession.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth v, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 123 His professional jealousy, personal strength, and skill in the use of arms, brought him into many quarrels.
1887 A. C. Swinburne Locrine i. i. 29 No skill of speech have I.
1889 J. M. Barrie Window in Thrums xx. 195 He had little skill in talk.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > branch of knowledge > [noun]
craftOE
lorec1290
cunning1340
facultyc1384
sciencea1387
intelligencea1393
disciplinea1398
masterya1425
learning1570
skill1570
doctrine1594
ism1680
ology1811
ography1828
sophya1843
osophy1851
1570 J. Dee in H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. Math. Præf. sig. aiiij Of the former knowledge Geometricall, are growen the Skills of Geographie, Chorographie, Hydrographie, and Stratarithmetrie.
1613 T. Heywood Brazen Age ii. ii Those hidden skils, Ascrib'd vnto the infernall Proserpine.
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre iii. vi. 118 Richard..quickly got money, the sinews of warre, by a thousand Princely skills.
1667 R. Allestree Causes Decay Christian Piety v. 102 And certainly the skill of Christian suffering is not the easiest of all Trades or Sciences.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > skilful person
slies1297
artist1594
skilla1657
technicist1828
technician1833
technist1858
hot dog1966
a1657 R. Loveday Lett. (1663) 77 You will much oblige me to propound it to as many skills as you shall converse with, and to send me their several judgements.
7. Knowledge or understanding of something. Now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > [noun] > knowledge of, acquaintance
kithc900
acquaintancec1540
skill1587
skilfulnessa1656
acquaintedness1661
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. xxvii. 495 If thou eate of the tree of the skill of good and euill.
1638 D. Featley Stricturæ in Lyndomastygem i. 157 in H. Lynde Case for Spectacles Surely that Priest..could not have skill of brachygraphy, nor well spell Latine.
1684 Bp. G. Burnet in tr. T. More Utopia Pref. sig. A3 If he..has a competent skill of the one Tongue, and is a Master of the other.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian iv, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. I. 118 Since ye say ye hae skeel o' the law.
1887 W. Morris tr. Homer Odyssey I. xi. 206 Thereof I have no skill, Whether he liveth or dieth.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > be of no importance [phrase]
forcec1330
no wardc1330
no strength1340
no forcec1369
no mattera1466
what force?a1513
no skill1575
what matter?1678
the game (play, etc.) is not worth the candlea1699
nix my dolly1795
what the hell1872
1575 R. B. Apius & Virginia sig. Ci Though shame, or defame, do happen, no skill.
9. In plural.
ΚΠ
1967 L. Coulthard & B. Smith in G. Wills & R. Yearsley Handbk. Managem. Technol. 196 Techniques of management by objectives, performance planning, and skills analysis are being more widely applied as they become increasingly effective in contributing to success.
1967 L. Coulthard & B. Smith in G. Wills & R. Yearsley Handbk. Managem. Technol. 212 Skills analysis, the setting down of the underlying knowledge and dexterity which an operative will require in order to perform a given industrial operation.
1971 R. N. Evans Foundations Vocational Educ. iii. xiv. 231 Unlike earlier manpower and anti-poverty training programs, Skills Centers could accept trainees whenever a training slot was open.
1976 National Observer (U.S.) 17 Apr. 14/5 The English teaching profession..has progressed..well beyond thinking of writing instruction solely or principally in terms of basic skills instruction.
1977 P. Strevens New Orientations Teaching Eng. vi. 78 Shortcomings in demonstration and practice facilities affect the skills component.
Compounds
C1. attributive and in other combinations (in sense 6), as skill-pride, skill-thirst; skill-contending, skill-wrought adjs.
ΚΠ
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. H1 Busie your selues in skill contending schooles. View more context for this quotation
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. i. 23 With curious Skill-pride, & vaine dreames.
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. ii. i. 319 Too-curious skill-thirst, enuie, felonie.
1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 197 To reueyle the veyle of Nature, to prophane her mysteries for a little curious skil-pride.
1887 R. Brown Trilogy 72 For ever dart-struck was his casque Skill-wrought.
C2.
skill centre n. originally U.S. a local training institution providing instruction in practical and technical skills, spec. in U.K. ( Skillcentre, skillcentre) one sponsored by the government (cf. job centre n.).
ΘΚΠ
society > education > place of education > college or university > [noun] > training-centre
training school1712
training department1819
colony1821
training home1852
adult training school1853
training centre1864
skill centre1963
1963 Amer. Vocational Jrnl. Dec. 33/2 The industrial situation assures the future of the area schools, but two problems involved are: (a) a common agreement on the type of regional education programs (i.e. state vocational schools,..vocational departments in comprehensive high schools, state skill centers), [etc.].
1975 Manpower Services Commission Ann. Rep. 1974–75 8/3 The government training centres under their new name of ‘skillcentres’ were to be expanded.
1976 Manpower Services Commission Ann. Rep. 1975–76 16/3 These services include sponsored training at Skillcentres designed to enable firms to send employees to be trained to meet the firms' own precisely defined needs.
1977 Daily Tel. 12 Sept. 11 Technicians from the Government Skillcentres, who are of much higher standard.
1978 Church Times 27 Jan. 2/2 Skill centres and other training provisions for school-leavers and the young unemployed.
skill facet n. (see quot. 18501).
ΚΠ
1751 D. Jeffries Treat. Diamonds (ed. 2) Gloss. In Brilliants, there are two sorts, skew or skill facets and star facets.
1850 C. Holtzapffel Turning & Mech. Manip. III. 1330 These triangular facets are called skill facets, from the difficulty of placing them correctly.
1850 C. Holtzapffel Turning & Mech. Manip. III. 1336 A row of double skill facets are then arranged around the girdle.
Draft additions January 2011
skill position n. American Football a position other than lineman; spec. any of various offensive positions in which players ordinarily handle the ball, esp. quarterback, running back, or wide receiver.
ΚΠ
1970 Corpus Christi (Texas) Times 5 Nov. 4 f/6 Danny's a competitor, he's a good football player and he's a good enough athlete to play a skill position well.
1991 Sports View (U.S.) 168/2 The skill positions are in better shape, especially at wide receiver, where the Bulls have some speed.
2004 M. St. Amant Committed (2005) ii. 16 And speaking of skill positions, let's get one thing straight right now—kicker isn't a skill position.
Draft additions June 2016
skill set n. a range of skills or capabilities, esp. a set of skills necessary or desirable for a person's participation in a particular field.
ΚΠ
1976 U. Neisser in L. B. Resnick Nature of Intelligence ii. vii. 138 We have then gone on to define the quality in terms of this skill set, and ended by asserting that persons who lack these special skills are unintelligent altogether.
1996 Wired Oct. 125/3 When it comes to the ins and outs of all the administrative and executive duties..I'm not at the level where I think my skill set would make me a good candidate.
2012 RAF News 18 May 6/3 The competition is based around those skill sets that we know are essential for all current military operations.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
† skilln.2
Obsolete rare.
? A skillet.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > [noun] > an act or deed > wise
skill1600
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > wisdom, sagacity > [noun] > wise action or procedure
wisdom1362
witc1400
skill1600
ingenuity1657
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > equipment for food preparation > cooking vessel or pot > [noun] > pot with legs or feet
posnetc1350
yetling1354
skillet1403
skill1600
Barnstaple oven1716
bastable oven1748
goashore1834
bastable1836
kaffir pot1863
kohua1901
potjie1985
1600 in J. Harland House & Farm Accts. Shuttleworths (1856) I. 128 One skille xjd; one brazen ladle viijd.
1603 in J. Harland House & Farm Accts. Shuttleworths (1856) I. 150 ij skilles xixd.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
skillv.1
/skɪl/, U.S. /skɪl/ Now archaic.† 1. † b. transitive. To separate, divide, take out. Obsolete.† c. To make free or quit of. Obsolete.† 3. To allege in argument. Obsolete. rare.† 5. intransitive. To get along, to subsist. Obsolete. rare.
a. intransitive. To separate, part from. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separation or detachment > become detached [verb (intransitive)]
skilla1200
unjoinc1390
to come away1575
uncleave1578
to come off1580
separate1638
shrink1688
detach1842
unship1867
a1200 Vices & Virtues 17 Ðu..noldest þenchen of ðine forðsiðe, þat tu fram ðine lichame scoldest skelien, and tefore me cumen.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separate [verb (transitive)]
to-twemec893
sunderOE
asunderOE
shedOE
dealOE
shill1049
skillc1175
to-twinc1175
twinc1230
disseverc1250
depart1297
slita1300
to-throwc1315
parta1325
drevec1325
devisec1330
dividec1374
sever1382
unknit?a1425
divorce1430
separea1450
separate?a1475
untine1496
to put apart1530
discussa1542
deceper1547
disseparate1550
apart1563
unjoint1565
shoal1571
divisionatea1586
single1587
dispart1590
descide1598
disassociate1598
distract1600
dissolve1605
discriminate1615
dissociate1623
discerpa1628
discind1640
dissunder1642
distinguish1648
severize1649
unstring1674
skaila1833
cleave1873
dirempt1885
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separate [verb (transitive)] > separate from main body
skillc1175
to tell outc1325
shillc1440
sequestrate1513
sorta1535
shoal1571
segregate1579
dismember1580
single1582
scatter1588
disgregate1593
recond1608
sepone1619
sequester1625
canton1653
to cantonize outa1670
portion1777
to set off1795
to comb out1854
distinguish1866
split1924
hive off1931
section1960
separate1962
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 16860 Vnnlic all oþerr lede. & skiledd ut all fra þe follc Þurrh haliȝ lif & lare.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 9291 Wel sal he cun knau quilk es quilk, Fra the wick þe god to scil.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > free from obligation
freeeOE
unbind1297
quitclaima1325
acquit1340
excuse1340
loose1340
releasec1350
assoil1366
soilc1384
dischargea1387
quita1387
relieve1416
absoil1440
deliver1440
acquittance1448
quiet1450
acquiet1453
absolve?a1475
defease1475
skill1481
relax1511
redeema1513
exoner1533
exonerate1548
solvec1550
distask1592
disgage1594
upsolve1601
disoblige1603
disengage1611
to get off1623
exclude1632
supersedea1644
to let off1814
to let out1869
1481 W. Caxton tr. Hist. Reynard Fox (1970) 42 The kynge hath skylled hym quyte of alle his brokes and forgyuen hym alle his trespaces and mysdedes.
2. † a. intransitive. To cause a distinction or difference.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > be different [verb (intransitive)] > distinguish between
skillc1200
shadea1400
discernc1400
superfine1689
to distinguish far1719
c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 119 Swo þe holie gost hem fulde of him seluen, and sette þe word on hem þe þere speken, and skilede on hem þat hie herden.
b. impersonal. In negative or interrogative clauses: To make a difference, to be of importance, to matter. †Also with dative of person. Now archaic.Extremely common from c1525 to c1670.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [verb]
skilla1464
matter1553
a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 241 If þei mad question to what entent þei schuld rise, þis answere had þei: ‘It skil ȝou not, so ȝe haue good wagis and treuly payed’.
1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1845) xxxiv. 173 What skilleth you though that he dye this nyght?
1533 J. Heywood Play of Wether sig. Biiiv What ye deuyll shold skyl though all ye world were dum.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 11v Whether he be now lyuing I know not, but whether he be or no, it skilleth not.
1614 T. Jackson Third Bk. Comm. Apostles Creede iii. 16 It skils not how infallible the truth in it selfe or the proposer be.
c1680 E. Hickeringill Hist. Whiggism ii, in Wks. (1716) I. 118 From the Court or Queen, what skills it? I commend him.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. i. ii. 21 Blow the brains or thinking-faculty quite out of him for the time: it skills not; he..revives on the morrow.
1861 J. C. H. Fane & Ld. Lytton Tannhäuser 94 Hence! Whate'er I am it skills not.
c. impersonal. To avail, help. Now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial [verb (intransitive)]
dowc950
frameOE
fremeOE
helpc1000
gainc1175
holdc1175
vail1303
yainc1325
it is speedfulc1340
profit1340
speedc1380
prowa1400
bootc1400
prevailc1450
avail1489
mister1490
skill1528
stead1594
advantagea1616
conduce1624
1528 in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1822) V. 368 If you have any wast mony, give yt to poore pepull and tarye at home, for it shall not skyll to go on pilgremages to Ipiswiche.
1814 Ld. Byron Lara i. ii. 21 It skills not, boots not step by step to trace His youth through all the mazes of its race.
1826 K. H. Digby Broad Stone of Honour: Morus 216 It may skill not repeating names of holy men, forgotten by the moderns.
1880 J. McCarthy Hist. our Own Times IV. lii. 103 But what skills talking?
d. To care, reck. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > care or reck
reckOE
force1471
regardc1540
pass1548
skill1821
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. xi. 280 Whether he was the devil's crony or no I skill not.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion without proof > [verb (transitive)] > in argument
skill1390
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 343 For al that evere I skile may, I am concluded with a nay.
4. † b. intransitive. To have knowledge of, or skill in, something. Obsolete. (Cf. skill n.1 5.)† d. transitive. To order, dispose. Obsolete.
a. To understand, comprehend. Now dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)]
yknoweOE
acknowOE
anyeteOE
latchc1000
undernimc1000
understandc1000
underyetec1000
afindOE
knowOE
seeOE
onfangc1175
takec1175
underfindc1200
underfonga1300
undertakea1300
kenc1330
gripea1340
comprehend1340
comprendc1374
espyc1374
perceivea1387
to take for ——?1387
catcha1398
conceivea1398
intenda1400
overtakea1400
tenda1400
havec1405
henta1450
comprise1477
skilla1500
brook1548
apprend1567
compass1576
perstanda1577
endue1590
sound1592
engrasp1593
in1603
fathom1611
resent1614
receivea1616
to take up1617
apprehend1631
to take in1646
grasp1680
understumblec1681
forstand1682
savvy1686
overstand1699
uptake1726
nouse1779
twig1815
undercumstand1824
absorb1840
sense1844
undercumstumble1854
seize1855
intelligize1865
dig1935
read1956
a1500 How Wise Man taught Son in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. (1864) I. 170 Skyll fully what thou pray.
1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos i. 16 Encompast with the cloud he goes (a wondrous thyng to skyll).
1573 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 18 Truly I cannot scil what is procurare malum socio.
1632 J. Featley Honor of Chastity 9 Who skils not the cunning of those delicate imposters, in their wretched devices?
1657 J. Watts Scribe, Pharisee 115 Seeing you are unlettred, and skill not the Original languages.
a1677 I. Barrow Several Serm. Evil-speaking (1678) i. 33 The speaker little skilleth the use of speech, or the rule of conversation.
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2) Skill, to know, to understand... ‘I nivver could skill him.’
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > be skilled or versed in [verb (transitive)]
witOE
knowOE
underfoa1300
practa1513
skill?1529
to be au fait in or ata1743
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > familiarity > be or become conversant [verb (intransitive)]
to be grounded inc1405
skill?1529
?1529 R. Hyrde tr. J. L. Vives Instr. Christen Woman i. xiii. sig. P.iiij Or what woman nowe a dayes, that is sad & wyse, wyl be knowen to skyll of daunsynge.
1561 in J. Strype Ann. Reformation (1709) I. xxii. 230 Lest the unlearned should say, they did not skill of such books.
1628 J. Doughty Church Schismes in Disc. Divine Myst. 16 More shifts besides they skill of to obscure their malitious drifts.
1662 J. Evelyn Sculptura v. 132 That they might the better skill in the works of Embrodery.
1691 J. Ray Wisdom of God 123 To..vilifie those Studies which themselves skill not of.
c. With infinitive: To know how to do something. Also with how. Now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > be versed or skilled [verb (intransitive)]
to have the way (also ways)?1520
to know what something is1535
practise1542
skilla1586
to be one's craftsmaster1594
to know the ropes1802
to know one's way around1861
to know (something) backwards1904
to know one's stuff1927
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > familiarity > be or become conversant [verb (intransitive)] > know how to
understanda1300
wit1340
to know of ——c1350
kenc1400
skilla1586
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. sig. N4 They now skilld not, how from him to wend.
1671 J. Evelyn Let. 27 Sept. in Diary & Corr. (1852) III. 234 He would be thought a thick-skinned doctor..who skilled not to discern how a thing might be real and yet spiritual.
a1677 I. Barrow Several Serm. Evil-speaking (1678) iv. 155 Not skilling to get his suit quietly, he would extort it by force.
1859 S. R. Hole Tour Ireland 13 He who skilleth not to brew it.., may thank me, perhaps, for thus instructing him.
1865 J. M. Neale Hymns Paradise 46 If there be that skills to reckon All the number of the Blest.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > put in (proper) order [verb (transitive)] > reduce to order > give structure to or organize
edifya1340
beset1413
reduce?a1425
institutea1538
compile1596
to deraign battle1596
modelize1600
skillc1610
organize1632
formalize1646
model1652
modulize1656
structure1664
economize1691
regiment1698
structurize1912
pattern1967
c1610 J. Melville Mem. Own Life (1683) Pref. A man may many times, if he skill it aright, give his Prince good counsel, contrary to his inclinations.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > continuance or tenacity of life > continue in life [verb (intransitive)]
nesteOE
to live forthOE
overliveOE
lastc1225
livec1410
survive1473
supervive1532
subsist?1533
skill1537
to live on1590
outlive1594
(to be) to the front1871
1537 State P. Hen. VIII II. 449 The pore Englishe erth tillers in the English pale cannot skyll upon penury nor wredchidnes, as the Irishe tenantes doo sustayne.
6. transitive. To teach, instruct. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > [verb (transitive)]
i-taechec888
lerec900
iwisseOE
to teach a personc1000
wisc1000
ylereOE
avayc1315
readc1330
learna1382
informc1384
beteacha1400
form1399
kena1400
redec1400
indoctrinea1450
instructc1449
ensign1474
doctrine1475
introduct1481
lettera1500
endoctrinec1500
to have (a person) in schooling?1553
lesson1555
tutor1592
orthographize1596
pupil1599
con1612
indoctrinate1621
art1628
doctrinate1631
document1648
verse1672
documentizea1734
form1770
intuit1776
skill1809
indoctrinize1861
1809 A. Wilson Foresters in Port Folio Nov. 73 Not he who guides the legs, or skills the clown To square his fists, and knock his fellow down.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
† skillv.2
Obsolete. rare.
intransitive. To mount, ascend.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > rise or go up [verb (intransitive)]
styc825
astyc950
ariseOE
upstyOE
to step upOE
upcomec1000
to come upOE
to go upOE
upwendc1200
runge?c1225
amountc1275
upgoa1325
heavec1325
uparise1340
ascend1382
higha1393
lifta1400
risea1400
skilla1400
uprisea1400
raisec1400
rearc1400
surmount1430
to get upc1450
transcenda1513
springa1525
upmounta1560
assurge?1567
hove1590
surgea1591
tower1618
hoist1647
upheave1649
to draw up1672
spire1680
insurrect1694
soar1697
upsoar1726
uprear1828
higher1889
a1400 Lybeaus Disc. 1844 Lybeauus wyth goodwyll Into hys sadell gan skyll, And a launce yn hond he hent.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
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n.1c1175
n.21600
v.1c1175v.2a1400