I. ˈskər-mish noun
Etymology: Middle English skyrmissh, alteration (influenced by Anglo-French eskermir to fence (with swords), protect, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scirmen to protect, scirm shield) of skarmuch, from Anglo-French escarmuche, from Old Italian scaramuccia — more at screen
Date: 14th century
1. : a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements
2.
a. : a brisk preliminary verbal conflict
b. : a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties
the debate touched off a skirmish
II. intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
1. : to engage in a skirmish
2. : to search about (as for supplies) : scout around
• skir·mish·er noun