skiff
[skif]
- any of various types of boats small enough for sailing or rowing by one person.
Show More
Origin of skiff
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for skiff
Historical Examples
Laurent selected a skiff, which appeared so light that Camille was terrified by its fragility.
Therese RaquinEmile Zola
The skiff left the bank, advancing slowly towards the isles.
Therese RaquinEmile Zola
In about ten minutes we had him in the skiff rowing off to the Patience M.
Cape Cod StoriesJoseph C. Lincoln
He jumped to the stern and caught hold of the skiff's painter.
Cape Cod StoriesJoseph C. Lincoln
I p'inted the skiff the way she'd ought to go and laid to the oars.
Cape Cod StoriesJoseph C. Lincoln
skiff
- any of various small boats propelled by oars, sail, or motor
Show More
Word Origin
C18: from French esquif, from Old Italian schifo a boat, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German schif ship
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for skiff
n.
"small boat," 1570s, from French esquif (1540s), from Italian schifo "little boat," from a Germanic source (e.g. Old High German scif "boat;" see ship (n.)). Originally the small boat of a ship.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper