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Added 9 October 2026

skirmish

/ˈskɜːmɪʃ/ noun

In Latin: praecursiō Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about skirmish at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A brief battle between small groups, usually part of a longer or larger battle or war.
Any minor dispute.
Three people were arrested after a skirmish in a bar.
A type of outdoor military style game using paintball or similar weapons.

verb

To engage in a minor battle or dispute.

Origin

From Middle English skirmish (as a verb), from Old French escarmouche (“skirmish”), from Italian scaramuccia, earlier schermugio. Doublet of escarmouche, Scaramouche, and Scaramucci.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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