A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1558-1587
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(Scarmischar,) Skyrmissar, n. Also: skirmisher, -meisher. [e.m.E. skirmishar (1565); f. Scarmische,v.] A member of a small party of soldiers sent ahead of the main body to engage the enemy in skirmishing; a skirmisher. —1558-66 Knox II 59.
The Frensch … had send furth thair skyrmissaris quha … contyneuit skyrmissing till [etc.] 1587 Carmichael Etym. 19.
Veles, a skirmisher —1569-73 Bann. Memor. 51.
A litill pincke … called the skirmeisher [Bann. Trans. 35, skyrmisher]
