skeif: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Low / ObsoleteArchaic / Regional (Scots & Northern English Dialect)
Quick answer
What does “skeif” mean?
A handful, a sheaf, or a measure of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A handful, a sheaf, or a measure of something; something that is hastily or carelessly done.
In Scots and Northern English dialects, it can also refer to a hasty, slapdash manner of doing something. Historically, a unit for counting yarn or straw.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is exclusively found in British (specifically Scots and Northern English) dialectal or historical use. It is absent from American English.
Connotations
In its regional context, it carries a rustic, traditional connotation. In modern reference, it is purely historical/lexical.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in both varieties. Any encounter would be in specialized dialectological or historical studies.
Grammar
How to Use “skeif” in a Sentence
[V] a skeif of [N][Adv] in a skeifVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skeif” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- She worked skeif through the pile of papers.
- He assembled it skeif, and it fell apart soon after.
adjective
British English
- He gave it a skeif look-over before moving on.
- It was a skeif piece of work, done too quickly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or dialectology papers.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday English.
Technical
Possibly in historical descriptions of textile or agricultural measures.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skeif”
- Using it in modern standard English writing.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'k' sound (like 'skate'); it's a long 'ee' /skiːf/.
- Assuming it is a synonym for 'skiff' (a small boat).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic/regional word. You will almost never encounter it outside of specialized historical or dialectological studies. Learning it is for lexical curiosity, not practical use.
Historically, it is primarily a noun (a handful/sheaf). In Scots dialect, it also developed adjectival and adverbial uses meaning 'hasty' or 'carelessly'.
Both can mean a bundle. 'Sheaf' is standard English (a sheaf of wheat/paper). 'Skeif' is a regional/dialectal variant with the same core meaning but also extends to describing manner and was used for specific measures like yarn.
It is not found in standard learner's or desk dictionaries. It may appear in comprehensive historical dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) or in dictionaries specifically dedicated to Scots language.
A handful, a sheaf, or a measure of something.
Skeif is usually archaic / regional (scots & northern english dialect) in register.
Skeif: in British English it is pronounced /skiːf/, and in American English it is pronounced N/A. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"In a skeif" - meaning in a hurried, careless manner.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'sheaf' of wheat held in a 'hand' - both related to its meaning. 'Skeif' rhymes with 'sheaf'.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS GRASP (a handful), CARELESS ACTION IS HASTY BUNDLING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'skeif'?