ˈskid.]ish, -it], ]ēsh\ adjective
( sometimes -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English, from skit- (perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skjōta to shoot) + -ish — more at shoot
1.
a. : excessively lively or frivolous in nature or action : capricious , irresponsible
felt that for a minister the pastime was unduly skittish — Jean Stafford
b. : given to marked or rapid fluctuations : variable , unstable
the skittish fads of musical fashion — Winthrop Sargeant
2. : easily frightened or agitated : given to shying : restive — used chiefly of horses
3.
a. : coy , bashful , shy
b. : marked by extreme caution : fearful , wary
old wooden bridges that were a nightmare for skittish drivers — Jack Westeyn
• skit·tish·ly adverb
• skit·tish·ness noun -es