skirmish skirmish /ˈskɝːmɪʃ/

noun

1. () A minor short-term fight  ( brush , clash , skirmish , encounter )
   a minor short-term fight
     The opposing armies engaged in a brief skirmish before retreating.
   The opposing armies engaged in a brief skirmish before retreating.
   

verb

1. () Engage in a skirmish  ( skirmish )
   engage in a skirmish