Word Study
skive
CIDE DICTIONARY
skive, n. [Cf. Icel. skīfa a shaving, slice, E. shive, sheave.].
The iron lap used by diamond polishers in finishing the facets of the gem. [1913 Webster]
skive, v. t.
To pare or shave off the rough or thick parts of (hides or leather). [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
skive, v. & n.
--v.
1 tr. split or pare (hides, leather, etc.).
2 intr. Brit. sl. a evade a duty, shirk. b (often foll. by off) avoid work by absenting oneself, play truant.
--n. sl.
1 an instance of shirking.
2 an easy option.
--v.
1 tr. split or pare (hides, leather, etc.).
2 intr. Brit. sl. a evade a duty, shirk. b (often foll. by off) avoid work by absenting oneself, play truant.
--n. sl.
1 an instance of shirking.
2 an easy option.
Derivative
skiver n.
Etymology
ON sk{iacute}fa, rel. to ME schive slice
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