skellum

noun

skel·​lum

ˈskeləm

plural -s

chiefly Scottish

: scoundrel, scamp, rascal

that skellum of a boy

Word History

Etymology

Dutch schelm, from Low German, from Middle Low German, scoundrel, corpse, carrion; akin to Old High German skelmo person deserving death, scalmo pestilence, corpse, and probably to Lithuanian skelti to split

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!