Middle English Dictionary Entry

skippen v.
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Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. scopen v.(1).
1.
(a) To jump, leap, spring; skip or jump in play, caper; also, jump from writhing [quot.: ?c1425]; ?also, cause (sb.) to jump from beating [quot.: a1450 Yk.Pl.]; (b) ~ oute, to spring forth, spring out [glossary quots.]; also, fig. burst forth [1st quot.]; spring out of (a chair, cart, etc.); also fig. [quot.: a1500(a1460)]; (c) to leap or jump up; ~ forth (up); ~ in-to, leap into (a saddle); ~ on, leap onto (a horse); ~ on heigh, jump up to a high place, leap into a pulpit; also fig.; (d) ~ bak (bihinden), ?to jump down; ~ doun (adoun), jump or leap down; ~ in-to, jump into (the water, a pit, etc.); (e) ~ over, to jump over (a table, ditch, etc.).
2.
(a) To run, go, travel; hasten, hurry, rush; also, flee; also, run around busily [quot.: c1425 Mirror LM&W]; of lightning: dart, shoot; ~ bihinden, move into position behind someone; ~ forth, flee, escape; ~ oute, go out, rush out; also, flee; ~ over, go (into the assembly); also, forge ahead [quot.: WBible(2) Prov.]; (b) ?to attack; (c) ~ oute, of a bird: to hop out of a cage; skippinge oute, hopping out (of a cage); (d) to bounce; (e) of the spirit of the Lord: to enter (into sb.), descend (upon sb.); of strife: break out, arise; of venial sin: change (into deadly sin); ~ up, of the soul: ascend (into heaven); (f) to pass over or omit material in reading, or in the telling of a narrative; ~ over.
3.

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • c1400 Wycl.CGosp.Matthew (Add 28026:Hudson)7/72 : We stereden ȝou þat at oure song ȝe schulden do goode werkes, and schippe at oure pipe, as Dauiþ lippede byfore þe ark of þe Lord.
Note: Probably belongs under 2.(a) 'to leap into action,' but likely with reference to sense 1.(a) 'to cavort, to dance,' as the mention of the musical 'pipe' suggests, the context being an allegorical reading of David's 'leaping' before the Ark.