/ ˈskɜːmɪʃ; NAmE ˈskɜːrmɪʃ/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a short fight between small groups of soldiers, etc., especially one that is not planned
2.
a short argument, especially between political opponents
■ verb
[ v ] to take part in a short fight or argument
► skir·mish·er noun
► skir·mish·ing noun [ U ]:
There are reports of skirmishing along the border.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (as a verb): from Old French eskirmiss- , lengthened stem of eskirmir , from a Germanic verb meaning defend.