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skainsmate. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
skainsmate, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
skainsmate in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
skainsmate you have here. The definition of the word
skainsmate will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
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English
Etymology
Etymology and meaning uncertain. Possibly from skean (“sword”) or skein (“quantity of thread”) + -s- + mate (“companion; comrade; colleague”).
- Sword could imply a companion in arms or a cutthroat; or it may be a euphemism for penis and hence a sexual companion.
- Thread could also mean either a companion in winding thread, possibly a sailor or seamstress, or a sexual metaphor equating sewing with sexual intercourse.
Flirt-gill (“promiscuous woman”) in the same passage suggests a sexual interpretation.
Noun
skainsmate (plural skainsmates)
- (obsolete, derogatory, nonce word) A messmate; a companion.
- (obsolete, derogatory, nonce word) A prostitute.
Quotations
References
- “skainsmate n.”, in Oxford Reference, 2018 February 20 (last accessed)