Skim  —v. (-mm-) 1 a take a floating layer from the surface of (a liquid). B take (cream etc.) From the surface of a liquid. 2 a barely touch (a surface) in passing over. B (often followed by over) deal with or treat (a matter) superficially. 3 (often foll. By over, along) go or glide lightly. 4 (often followed by through) read or look over cursorily. —n. Skimming. [french: related to *scum]