Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SKIM, v.t.

1. To take off the thick gross matter which separates from any liquid substance and collects on the surface; as, to skim milk by taking off the cream.
2. To take off by skimming; as, to skim cream. – Dryden.
3. To pass near the surface; to brush the surface slightly. The swallow skims the river's wat'ry face. – Dryden.