American Dictionary of the English Language

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Skill


SKILL, noun Calleo, that is to strain, stretch, reach, and with to perfect, that is, to make sound, or to reach the utmost limit. The sense of folly, error, sin, preverseness, is from wandering, deviation.

1. The familiar knowledge of any art or science, united with readiness and dexterity in execution or performance, or in the application of the art or science to practical purposes. Thus we speak of the skill of a mathematician, of a surveyor, of a physician or surgeon, of a mechanic or seaman. So we speak of skill in management or negotiation.

2. Any particular art.

SKILL, verb transitive To know; to understand.

SKILL, verb intransitive

1. To be knowing in; to be dextrous in performance.

2. To differ; to make difference; to matter or be of interest.