Webster's English Dictionary

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skid

1. skid \'skid\ n [perh. of Scand origin; akin to ON ski-th stick of wood] 
   1: one of a group of objects (as planks or logs) used to support or elevate 
    a structure or object 2: a wooden fender hung over a ship's side to 
   protect it in handling cargo  3: a usu. iron shoe or clog attached to a 
   chain and placed under a wheel to  prevent its turning when descending a 
   steep hill : DRAG 4: a timber, bar, rail, pole, or log used in pairs or 
   sets to form a slidew ay (as for an incline from a truck to the sidewalk) 
   5: the act of skidding : SLIP, SIDESLIP  6: a runner used as a member of 
   the landing gear of an airplane or helicopt er pl  7: a route to defeat or 
   downfall  8: a low platform mounted (as on wheels) on which material is set 
   for handl ing and moving
2. skid vb or skid.ded;  or skid.ding 1: to apply a brake or skid to : slow 
   or halt by a skid  2: to haul along, slide, hoist, or store on skids  1: to 
   slide without rotating (as a wheel held from turning while a vehicle  moves 
   onward) 2a: to fail to grip the roadway; specif : to slip sideways on the  
   road of an airplane  2b: to slide sidewise away from the center of 
   curvature when turning  2c: SLIDE, SLIP  3: to fall rapidly, steeply, or 
   far