I. ˈskil intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English skilen, from Old Norse skilja to separate, divide; akin to Old Norse skil distinction
Date: 13th century
archaic : to make a difference : matter , avail
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English skil, from Old Norse, distinction, knowledge; probably akin to Old English scylian to separate, sciell shell — more at shell
Date: 13th century
1. obsolete : cause , reason
2.
a. : the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance
b. : dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
3. : a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability
language skill s
Synonyms: see art
• skill-less or skil·less ˈskil-ləs adjective
• skill-less·ness or skil·less·ness noun