■ noun
1》 the thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal.
↘the ~ of a dead animal used as material for clothing or other items.
↘a container made from the ~ of an animal, used for holding liquids.
2》 the peel or outer layer of a fruit or vegetable.
↘the outermost layer of a structure such as an aircraft.
↘the thin outer covering of a sausage.
↘a thin layer forming on the surface of a hot liquid as it cools.
3》 informal a drum or drum head.
4》 [as modifier ] informal relating to or denoting pornography: the ~ trade.
5》 Brit. informal a ~head.
6》 informal a cigarette paper.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ning , ~ned )
1》 remove the ~ from.
↘graze (a part of one's body).
2》 (of a wound) form new ~.
3》 informal take money from or swindle.
4》 Soccer, informal take the ball past (a defender) with ease.
5》 ( ~ up ) Brit. informal make a cannabis cigarette.
Phrases
be ~ and bone be very thin.
by the ~ of one's teeth by a very narrow margin.
get under someone's ~ informal
1》 annoy or irritate someone intensely.
2》 fill someone's mind in a compelling and persistent way.
3》 reach or display a deep understanding of someone.
give someone ( some ) ~ US black slang shake or slap hands together as a gesture of friendship or solidarity.
have a thick (or thin ) ~ be insensitive (or oversensitive) to criticism or insults.
it's no ~ off my nose informal I am not offended or adversely affected.
keep (or sleep in ) a whole ~ archaic escape being wounded or injured.
~ and blister Brit. rhyming slang a person's sister.
under the ~ in reality, as opposed to superficial appearances.
Derivatives
~less adjective
~ned adjective
~ner noun
Origin
OE scinn , from ON ~n .