n. 1 a device for skimming liquids. 2 a person who skims. 3 a flat hat, esp. a broad-brimmed straw hat. 4 any long-winged marine bird of the genus Rynchops that feeds by skimming over water with its knifelike lower mandible immersed. 5 a hydroplane, hydrofoil, hovercraft, or other vessel that has little or no displacement at speed. 6 US a sheath-like dress.
[ ME f. OF escumoir f. escumer f. escume SCUM ]