- skill (n.)
- late 12c., "power of discernment," from Old Norse skil "distinction, discernment," related to skilja (v.) "distinguish, separate," from Proto-Germanic *skaljo- "divide, separate" (cf. Middle Low German schillen "to differ;" Middle Low German, Middle Dutch schele "difference;" see shell). Sense of "ability, cleverness" first recorded c.1300.