skimmerton

[ skim-er-tuhn ]

noun

, Chiefly Hudson Valley.

1. shivaree ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of skimmerton¹

Compare, in Britain, skimmington, skim(m)iting a similar rural custom intended to ridicule an unfaithful or abusive husband or wife, originally, an effigy of the offending person; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

No sooner have you penetrated his retreat, which is usually a thick undergrowth in low, wet localities, near the woods or in old fields, than he begins his serenade, which for the variety, grotesqueness, and uncouthness of the notes, is not unlike a country skimmerton.

From Project Gutenberg

The Dunmow Flitch is a well-known matrimonial prize for happy couples who have never quarrelled during the first year of their wedded life; while a Skimmerton expresses popular indignation against quarrelsome or licentious husbands and wives.

From Project Gutenberg

Hester, a mâ-be, war zummet ta blame too: vor she war one o'm, d'ye zee, that rawd Skimmerton—thic mâ game that frunted zum o' tha gennel-vawk.

From Project Gutenberg

To ride Skimmerton, is an exhibition of riding by two persons on a horse, back to back; or of several persons in a cart, having skimmers and ladles, with which they carry on a sort of warfare or gambols, designed to ridicule some one who, unfortunately, possesses an unfaithful wife.

From Project Gutenberg

No sooner have you penetrated his retreat, which is usually a thick undergrowth in low, wet localities, near the woods or in old fields, than he begins his serenade, which for the variety, grotesqueness, and uncouthness of the notes is not unlike a country skimmerton.

From Project Gutenberg