| 释义 |
skir·mish
I. \ˈskərmish, ˈskə̄m-, ˈskəim-, -mēsh\ noun
(-es)
Etymology: Middle English skyrmissh, alteration (influenced by Middle English skirmysshen to fence, brandish a sword, from Middle French eskermiss-, escremiss-, stem of eskermir, escremir to fence, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German skirmen to defend) of skarmish, scarmuch, from Middle French escarmouche, from Old Italian scaramuccia, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German skirmen to defend, skerm, skirm shield — more at scherm
1. : a minor engagement in war usually incidental to larger movements : combat between detached and small bodies of troops — distinguished from pitched battle
2. : a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties : a brisk preliminary conflict
< this verbal skirmish is viewed here as the opening round in negotiations scheduled to start next Tuesday — New York Times >
II. \“, chiefly in pres part -məsh\ intransitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-es)
Etymology: Middle English skyrmysshen, alteration (influenced by Middle English skirmysshen to fence, brandish a sword) of scarmysshen, scarmuchen, from Middle French escarmouchier, from Old Italian scaramucciare, from scaramuccia, n.
1.
a. : to fight as skirmishers : engage in a skirmish
b. : to engage in a minor or preliminary argument
< would prevent the many would-be presidential candidates within the party from skirmishing among themselves — Newsweek >
2. : to search about (as for supplies) : scout around : scrimmage, rummage |