skirmisher

/ˈskɜrmɪʃər/
noun
  1. A soldier or fighter who engages in small-scale, scattered fighting ahead of the main force.
    • The general sent skirmishers to scout the forest ahead.
    • The skirmishers moved forward to test the enemy's defenses.
    • In ancient armies, skirmishers often used javelins or bows.
  2. A person who takes part in a minor conflict or argument.
    • He was known as a political skirmisher, always ready for a debate.
    • She played the role of a skirmisher in the committee, challenging every proposal.
    • The journalist was a skilled skirmisher in media disputes.
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