1. n. & v.
--n.
1. each of a pair of steel blades (or of boots with blades attached) for gliding on ice.
2 (in full roller skate) each of a pair of metal frames with small wheels, fitted to shoes for riding on a hard surface.
3 a device on which a heavy object moves.
--v.
1. a intr. move on skates. b tr. perform (a specified figure) on skates.
2 intr. (foll. by over) refer fleetingly to, disregard.
Phrases and idioms:
get one's skates on Brit. sl. make haste. skate on thin ice colloq. behave rashly, risk danger, esp. by dealing with a subject needing tactful treatment. skating-rink a piece of ice artificially made, or a floor used, for skating.
Derivatives:
skater n.
Etymology: orig. scates (pl.) f. Du. schaats (sing.) f. ONF escace, OF eschasse stilt 2. n. (pl. same or skates) any cartilaginous marine fish of the family Rajidae, esp. Raja batis, a large flat rhomboidal fish used as food.
Etymology: ME f. ON skata 3. n. sl. a contemptible, mean, or dishonest person (esp. cheap skate).
Etymology: 19th c.: orig. uncert.