skimmer noun.
['skɪmǝ] ME.[Old French escumoir (mod. écumoire), from escumer (see SKIM verb & noun); later from SKIM verb: see -ER1.]1. A utensil or device used for skimming liquids;
esp. a shallow, usu. perforated, utensil.
ME.b. (The shell of) any of several clams,
esp. the surf clam, formerly used for skimming milk.
US.
L19.2. A person who skims.
E17.3. Ornithology. Any of three birds of the genus
Rynchops (family Rynchopidae), resembling terns, which have an extended and laterally flattened lower bill, and feed by flying low over water with the tip of the lower bill immersed.
L18.4. Orig. (
US), a plough for shallow ploughing. Now, a type of skim-coulter.
E19.5. A vessel which skims over water;
spec. a hydroplane, hydrofoil, hovercraft, or similar vessel that has little or no displacement at speed.
M19.6. A flat hat;
esp. a broad-brimmed straw boater. Formerly also more fully
skimmer hat.
M19.7. Esp.
Cricket. A ball that travels with a low trajectory.
M19.8. A metal hook for trundling a child's iron hoop. Now chiefly
Hist. L19.9. A sheath dress fitting closely to the body. Chiefly
US.
M20.
Comb.:
skimmer-cake: made from leftovers and cooked in a shallow dish;
skimmer hat: see sense 6 above.
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