skeet
n. countablen. a small, fast boat that is used for racing. It is usually very light and has a narrow shape to help it move quickly through the water.
n. a lightweight, narrow-hulled racing boat designed for speed. Often used in competitive rowing or sailing contexts.
The team won the race in their small skeet.
After the heavy storm, the sailors were relieved to find their small skeet still floating near the dock.
The design of the modern racing skeet emphasizes minimal water resistance and high maneuverability, allowing athletes to achieve record-breaking speeds on the open water.
Pseudo-archaic alteration of shoot, perhaps with reference to Old Norse skjóta; compare Scots skite (“to dart, to shoot”). The name for a form of trapshooting is attested from the 1920s, see quotations below. Senses related to ejaculation of semen likely derive from this, but compare also squirt, skite, or scoot. The word skeet is attested in reference to working class persons in US English from the 19th century, or the Newfoundland and Labrador regionalism may derive from other terms such as skite or skeeter; see quotation below.
Unknown. Compare Icelandic skeið (“spoon”), from Old Norse skeið (“a sheath”). Attested from the 15th century; see quotation below.
Uncertain. Compare Manx skeetagh (“nosy”, adverb). Compare also English peek (“to look slyly; a quick glance”, verb or noun) or skit (“to caper; to be skittish”, verb).
Blend of sky + tweet, from the resemblance to tweets posted on Twitter. Strongly discouraged by CEO Jay Graber.