I. ˈskid noun
Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skīth stick of wood — more at ski
Date: circa 1610
1. : one of a group of objects (as planks or logs) used to support or elevate a structure or object
2. : a wooden fender hung over a ship's side to protect it in handling cargo
3. : a usually iron shoe or clog attached to a chain and placed under a wheel to prevent its turning when descending a steep hill : drag
4. : a timber, bar, rail, pole, or log used in pairs or sets to form a slideway (as for an incline from a truck to the sidewalk)
5. : the act of skidding : slip , sideslip
6. : a runner used as a member of the landing gear of an airplane or helicopter
7.
a. plural : a route to defeat or downfall
on the skid s
his career hit the skid s
b. : a losing streak
a 5-game skid
8. : a low platform mounted (as on wheels) on which material is set for handling and moving ; also : pallet 3
• skidproof adjective
II. verb
( skid·ded ; skid·ding )
Date: 1674
transitive verb
1. : to apply a brake or skid to : slow or halt by a skid
2.
a. : to haul (as logs) by dragging
cutting and skidding firewood
b. : to haul along, slide, hoist, or store on skids
intransitive verb
1. : to slide without rotating (as a wheel held from turning while a vehicle moves onward)
2.
a. : to fail to grip the roadway ; especially : to slip sideways on the road
b. of an airplane : to slide sideways away from the center of curvature when turning
c. : slide , slip
3. : to fall rapidly, steeply, or far
sales skidded last year