I. ˈskid. ə l, -it ə l noun
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish skyttel shuttle — more at shuttle
1.
a. skittles plural but singular in construction : English ninepins played by pitching or sliding a wooden disk or rolling a wooden ball to knock down pins
b. : one of the pins used in skittles
2. skittles plural : play , enjoyment — used chiefly in the phrase beer and skittles
3. skittles plural but singular in construction : rapid informal play at chess with nothing at stake ; also : a game so played
II. verb
( skittled ; skittled ; skittling -itliŋ, -id. ə l-, -it ə l- ; skittles )
intransitive verb
: to play skittles
transitive verb
: to put out (several batsmen) easily in cricket — usually used with out