skir·mish ( P ) Pronunciation Key (skûrmsh) n. A minor battle in war, as one between small forces or between large forces avoiding direct conflict. A minor or preliminary conflict or dispute: a skirmish over the rules before the debate began. intr.v. skir·mished, skir·mish·ing, skir·mish·es To engage in a minor battle or dispute. [Middle English skirmisshe, alteration (influenced by Middle English skirmisshen, to brandish a weapon), of skarmush from Old French eskarmouch, from Old Italian...