Skim"ble-scam`ble (?), a. [A reduplication of scamble.] Rambling;
disorderly; unconnected. [Colloq.]
Such a deal of skimble-scamble stuff.
Shak.
Skim"i*try (?), n. See Skimmington.
Skim"mer (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, skims; esp., a utensil with
which liquids are skimmed.
2. (Zoöl.) Any species of longwinged marine birds of the genus
Rhynchops, allied to the terns, but having the lower mandible
compressed and much longer than the upper one. These birds fly rapidly
along the surface of the water, with the lower mandible immersed, thus
skimming out small fishes. The American species (R. nigra) is common on
the southern coasts of the United States. Called also scissorbill, and
shearbill.
3. (Zoöl.) Any one of several large bivalve shells, sometimes used for
skimming milk, as the sea clams, and large scallops.
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Skim"mer*ton (?), n. See Skimmington.
Skim"ming (?), n. 1. The act of one who skims.
2. That which is skimmed from the surface of a liquid; -- chiefly used
in the plural; as, the skimmings of broth.
Skim"ming*ly, adv. In a skimming manner.
Skim"ming*ton (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain. Perhaps the name of some
notorius scold.] A word employed in the phrase, To ride Skimmington;
that is to ride on a horse with a woman, but behind her, facing
backward, carrying a distaff, and accompanied by a procession of
jeering neighbors making mock music; a cavalcade in ridicule of a
henpecked man. The custom was in vogue in parts of England.
Skimp (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Skimped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Skimping.]
[Cf. Skinch, Scamp, v. t.] 1. To slight; to do carelessly; to scamp.
[Prov. Eng. & Colloq. U.S.]
2. To make insufficient allowance for; to scant; to scrimp. [Prov. Eng.
& Colloq. U. S.]
Skimp, v. i. To save; to be parsimonious or niggardly. [Prov. Eng. &
Colloq. U.S.]