skirr

[skur]

verb (used without object)

1. to go rapidly; fly; scurry.

verb (used with object)

1. to go rapidly over.

noun

1. a grating or whirring sound.

skirr

/ skɜː /

verb

1. (intr; usually foll by off, away, etc) to move, run, or fly rapidly

2. archaic,  (tr) to move rapidly over (an area, etc), esp in order to find or apprehend

noun

1. a whirring or grating sound, as of the wings of birds in flight

Word History and Origins

Origin of skirr¹

First recorded in 1540–50; variant of scour ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of skirr¹

C16: variant of _scour ²

Example Sentences

The Bishop had made up his mind to send messengers to skirr the island round in search of his son, when suddenly there came a great noise as of many persons talking eagerly, and drawing hurriedly near and nearer.

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Scores of cascabelés are started out of the dead leaves and branches, their vibratory “skirr” resounding everywhere.

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The reptile hissed, accompanying the sibilation with a sharp “skirr” of its tail.

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The “skirr” caused by the vibration of its tail told it to be a rattle-snake.

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Williamson loved Exmoor, and during his time at Skirr Cottage in the 1920s he roamed the moors and cliffs between the Taw and Torridge rivers while researching the local wildlife and gaining a reputation as a gifted, although eccentric, writer.

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Related Words

• descend 
• drift 
• flit 
• float 
• fly 
• sail 
• skate 
• skim 
• skip 
• slide 
• slip 
• slither 
• soar 
• spiral 
• waft