Skinners. A name assumed by a predatory band in the Revolutionary war, who, professing allegiance to the American cause, but influenced by a desire to plunder, roamed over the “neutral ground” lying between the hostile armies, robbing those who refused to take the oath of fidelity.
Skipton. A town of England in the West Riding of Yorkshire, 38 miles west of York. The old castle of Skipton was founded in the time of William the Conqueror; it was a place of great strength in the 17th century, and held out for three years against the Parliamentary forces. In 1649 it was dismantled, but subsequently rebuilt by the Countess of Pembroke.
Skirmish. A slight fight in war; a light combat between detachments from armies which are yet at a considerable distance from each other, or between detached and small parties.
Skirmish. To fight slightly or in small parties; to engage in a skirmish; to act as skirmishers.
Skirmisher. One who skirmishes; one of such troops as are sent forward in advance, or move deployed in loose order on the flanks of a marching column, to discover and intercept hostile forces.
Skiver. A dirk to stab with.
Skottefer. Formerly a name applied to an archer.
Sky-rocket. See [Pyrotechny].
Slash. A cut; a wound; also, a cut in cloth. It was formerly used to express the pieces of tape or worsted lace which were placed upon the arms of non-commissioned officers, in order to distinguish them from privates.
Slash. To strike violently and at random with an edged instrument; to lay about one indiscriminately with blows.