skirr v [phonetics unavailable]. OED ~ v 3 (1605-), EDD 6 for sense 1; OED 2, EDD 5, 8 s w cties for sense 2; OED 4, EDD 1 for sense 3.
1 To hurry about in search of something; scour.
1914 Cadet Apr, p. 7 The word 'skir' used by the fishermen is pure English. Shakespeare makes Macbeth say 'Send out horses, skir the country round.' 1925 Dial Notes v, 342 ~ To take a short walk. 1937 DEVINE 45 ~ To scour the country; to hike.
2 To fly or glide rapidly.
1924 ENGLAND 167 Dem hairyplane can skirr, sarnly. T 437/8-65 [märchen] John got up, put his two arms around [the eagle's] neck. an' he gives two deep flaps an' he went out around th' house an' he skirred back again, an' he dropped. Wasn't enough, see. Wasn't strong enough yet [i.e. to fly with heavy load on his back].
3 To throw flat stones across the surface of the water in the game of ducks and drakes; SKATE, SKITTER v (Q 67-90).
