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skirmish

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skirmish

Main Entry:: ¹skir·mish
Pronunciation:: \ˈskər-mish\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English skyrmissh, alteration (influenced by Anglo-French eskermir to fence (with swords), protect, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scirmen to protect, scirm shield) of skarmuch, from Anglo-French escarmuche, from Old Italian scaramuccia — more at screen
Date:: 14th century

1: a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements2 a: a brisk preliminary verbal conflict b: a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties <the debate touched off a skirmish>

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