Emily Dickinson Lexicon

sixpence, n. [see six, n. + pence, n.]

A silver coin worth six pennies.

size, n. [OFr < “assize” 'act of sitting, settling, appointments, regulations' > “excise” 'measurement'.]

1. The dimensions of something.
2. Bigness, the quality of being big.
3. [Fig.] importance.
4. Smaller size refers to human life as opposed to the life of the natural world.
5. [Fig.] weight.
6. [Fig.] value.

skater (-'s, -s), n. [Du. < OFr 'stilt'.]

A person using skates.

skein, n. [OFr escaigne, of obscure origin.]

1. Quantity of thread or yarn, wound to a certain length upon a reel.
2. [Fig.] a cluster of colorful lines resembling a skein.
3. [Fig.] a certain length or quantity of misery, resembling a skein since it cannot be all seen before it unfolds.

skeptic (sceptic), n. [Fr. < L. 'inquiring, reflective < Gk. 'to look out, consider, watchman, mark to aim at'.]

Philosopher; seeker after truth; one who doubts the possibility of real knowledge of any kind.

skepticism, n. [Latin scepticismus, the doctrine of the Sceptics.]

Doubting the certainty of knowledge.

skill, n. [Old Norwegian skil, distinction, difference; the OED says that the great variety of usage in Middle English often renders it difficult to assign particular examples to a definite sense.]

1. The ability to do something well, e.g. making clockworks.
2. The ability to do something unique, special or supernatural.
3. Power related to the ability to achieve one's goal using skill; [fig.] death.
4. The knowledge of truth.

skillful (skilful), adj. [from skill+full, having practical ability, possessing skill.]

Knowledgeable, having knowledge and the ability to obtain and use knowledge.

skim, v. [Old French escumer, to clear a liquid from matter floating upon the surface.]

To plough land very lightly; hence [fig.] move lightly as if flying.

skip (-ped), v. [Sw. < ON skopa, to take a run, leap.]

1. To dance all over.
2. Ignore.