skirr

American  

[skur] / skɜr /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of skirr

First recorded in 1540–50; 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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From The Guardian

Related Words

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