[skir.mish] n [ME skyrmissh, alter. of skarmish, fr. MF escarmouche, fr. OIt scaramuccia] (14c) 1: a minor fight in war usu. incidental to larger movements
2. a: a brisk preliminary verbal conflict b: a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties
[2]skirmish vi (14c) 1: to engage in a skirmish
2: to search about (as for supplies): scout around -- skir.mish.er n