skill 1
/skil/ , n.
1. the ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well: Carpentry was one of his many skills.
2. competent excellence in performance; expertness; dexterity: The dancers performed with skill.
3. a craft, trade, or job requiring manual dexterity or special training in which a person has competence and experience: the skill of cabinetmaking.
4. Obs. understanding; discernment.
5. Obs. reason; cause.
[ 1125-75; ME skil distinction, difference; c. D geschil difference, quarrel. See SKILL 2 ]
Syn. 1. proficiency, facility. 2. deftness, cleverness.
Ant. 1. inability.
skill 2
/skil/ , v.i. Archaic.
1. to matter.
2. to help; avail.
[ 1150-1200; ME skilien skilja to distinguish, divide, akin to skil (see SKILL 1 ), OE scylian to separate, Goth skilja butcher, Lith skélti to split ]