Skiff

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /skɪf/

Definitions

1. A small, light boat with a shallow draft, typically propelled by oars, sails, or a motor
2. A lightweight watercraft designed for navigation in shallow waters, often rowed or sailed, and typically used for fishing or leisurely activities
3. A slender, often open vessel used in shallow waters, usually equipped for rowing or sailing, and commonly utilized for casual outings or fishing adventures

Etymology: The most striking thing about "skiff" is that it is a doublet of "ship": both descend from the same Proto-Germanic word, *skipą, meaning "boat" or "ship." The Germanic word travelled south into Lombardic, where it became "skif," and then passed into Old Italian as "schifo," a small boat. Old French took it up as "esquif," and Middle English borrowed that form as "skif," which became "skiff." The same root produced the sturdy, ocean-going "ship" through a separate route in the north, so the two words are cousins that split apart long ago. A second, unrelated "skiff" exists in Scots, meaning a light shower of rain or snow, and also the verb "to move lightly." English "skift," a light dusting of snow, comes from the Scots form. Some scholars link this to "shift" or the Old Norse "skipta," while others suspect an imitative origin, so the connection remains uncertain. The Scots verb also gave English "skiffle," the name of a lively, improvised style of music.

Synonyms: boat, dinghy, raft, canoe, yacht