SCRIMMAGE

I. noun Etymology: Middle English scrymmage, alteration of skyrmissh skirmish Date: 15th century 1. a minor battle ; skirmish , a confused fight ; scuffle , 2. the interplay between two football teams that begins with the snap of the ball and continues until the ball is dead, practice play (as in football or basketball) between two squads, II. verb (~d; scrimmaging) Date: circa 1825 intransitive verb to take part in a ~, transitive verb to play a ~ against, ~r noun