skirmish

5 definitions • 7 examples

a fight between a small number of soldiers that is usually short and not planned, and happens away from the main area of fighting in a war

a short argument:

There was a short skirmish between the two of them over who would pay for the meal.

to fight for a short time with a small group of people, away from the main area of fighting in a war:

Police and protesters skirmished in the chilly rain.

Rebels skirmished with nearby American forces.

to argue for a short time:

Although many legal disputes were resolved, lawyers still were skirmishing yesterday in a few places.

The parties skirmished about attorney fees.

(in wars) a short fight that is usually not planned and happens away from the main area of fighting, or any short fight:

Government troops lost a minor skirmish.

The court skirmish over video rights to the movie continues.