Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SKIM, v. Sc. usages in derivs. and phr.: 1. skimmer, the lad whose job is to catch with a hand-net any herring that drop from the drift-net when it is being hauled (Bnff. 1970). Cf. Scum, v.; 2. skimmin, a sprinkling, a slight surface covering (Sh. 1970); 3. skim-the-milk, see quot. (Inv., Bte., Ayr. 1970).1. Rs. c.1890 M. M. Banks Cal. Customs Scot. (1939) II. 99:
The first fish that falls off the line in hauling the first shot on New Year's Day is not caught in the “ave” by the “skimmer” but allowed to fall back into the sea. Unless this is done there is no luck.2. Abd. 1880 G. Webster Crim. Officer 64:
We catch't them again on the brae on a wee skimmin' o' snaw.3. wm.Sc. c.1900:
A figure in the game of Chucks or five-stones in which the thrown piece is caught on the back of the hand and a skimming motion made over the other pieces, without the first piece being allowed to fall over the hand. It is then thrown up and caught.
