1. (v. t.) To clear (a liquid) from scum or substance floating or lying thereon, by means of a utensil that passes just beneath the surface; as, to skim milk; to skim broth.

2. (v. t.) To take off by skimming; as, to skim cream.

3. (v. t.) To pass near the surface of; to brush the surface of; to glide swiftly along the surface of.

4. (v. t.) Fig.: To read or examine superficially and rapidly, in order to cull the principal facts or thoughts; as, to skim a book or a newspaper.

5. (v. i.) To pass lightly; to glide along in an even, smooth course; to glide along near the surface.

6. (v. i.) To hasten along with superficial attention.

7. (v. i.) To put on the finishing coat of plaster.

8. (a.) Contraction of Skimming and Skimmed.

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