clish-clash
(ˈklɪʃˌklæʃ)
[A reduplicate formation from clash v., capable of being used for various parts of speech.]
1. The reciprocal or alternate clash of weapons, hence to go clish-clash. Also in extended use.
| 1597 Breton Miseries Mavillia ii, The Speares flew in pieces, then went the Swordes ‘clish clash’. 1610 Mirr. Mag. 481 (R.) The drums went downe—dun downe, the fluits fit fite, fit fite, The weapons clish-clash. 1872 H. W. Beecher in Chr. World Pulpit II. 343 Everything goes clish-clash, clish-clash. We are tossed about in the world like a skiff on the waves of the sea. 1941 M. Treadgold We couldn't leave Dinah vii. 121 The clish-clash of aluminium that resounded from the one basket. |
2. Sc. Idle gossip, scandal. Also attrib.
| 1807–17 Tannahill Poet. Wks. (1846) 68 Sic clish-clash cracks. 1808–79 in Jamieson. |