Skinflint, an old and popular simile for a “close-fisted,” stingy person. Sternberg, in his Northamptonshire Glossary, says the Eastern languages have the same expression. Abdul-Malek, one of the Ommeyade Khaliphs, noted for his extreme avarice, was surnamed Raschal-Hegiarah, literally, “the SKINNER of a FLINT.”
Skinner, a term among bookmakers. “May we have a SKINNER,” i.e., may we [SKIN THE LAMB], which see.
Skipper, the master of a vessel. Germ., SCHIFFER, from SCHIFF, a ship; sometimes used as synonymous with “governor.”
Skipper, a barn.—Ancient Cant. From the Welsh, YSGUBOR, pronounced SCYBOR, or SCIBOR, the proper word in that language for a barn.
Skipper-birds, or KEYHOLE-WHISTLERS, persons who sleep in barns or outhouses from necessity or in preference to sleeping in lodging-houses.
Skipper-it, to sleep in the open air, or in a rough way.
Skit, a joke, a squib. Term generally used in reference to any pungent or pointed political allusion.
Skittles, a game similar to that of Ten Pins, which, when interdicted by the Government, was altered to Nine Pins, or SKITTLES. The pins are set up in an alley, and thrown (not bowled) at with a round piece of hard wood, shaped like a small flat cheese. The costers used to consider themselves the best players in London, but they have been frequently undeceived. Skittles has within the past few years received an awful blow—quite a floorer—from “the powers that be.”
Skow-banker, a fellow who loiters about the premises of any one willing to support him, and who objects to the necessity of working for his living; a rogue, a rascal. Common in Melbourne, Australia.
Skrouge, to push or squeeze.—North.