[skate] n, pl skates also skate [ME scate, fr. ON skata] (14c): any of a family (Rajidae, esp. genus Raja) of rays with the pectoral fins greatly developed giving the fish a flat diamond shape
[2]skate n [modif. of D schaats stilt, skate, fr. ONF escache stilt, prob. of Gmc origin; akin to OE sceacan to shake--more at shake] (1684) 1 a: a metal frame that can be fitted to the sole of a shoe and to which is attached a runner or a set of wheels for gliding over ice or a surface other than ice b: roller skate c: ice skate
2: a period of skating [3]skate vb skat.ed ; skat.ing vi (1696) 1: to glide along on skates propelled by the alternate action of the legs
2: to slip or glide as if on skates
3: to proceed in a superficial or blithe manner ~ vt: to go along or through by skating [4]skate n [prob. alter. of E dial. skite an offensive person] (1894) 1: a thin awkward-looking or decrepit horse: nag
2: fellow 4c