[A reduplicate formation from CLASH v., capable of being used for various parts of speech.]

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  1.  The reciprocal or alternate clash of weapons, hence to go clish-clash.

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1597.  Breton, Miseries Mavillia, ii. The Speares flew in pieces, then went the Swordes ‘clish clash.’

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1610.  Mirr. Mag., 481 (R.).

        The drums went downe-dun downe, the fluits fit-fite-fit-fite,
The weapons clish-clash and the captaines now-now now.

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  2.  Sc. Idle gossip, scandal. Also attrib.

5

1807–17.  Tannahill, Poet. Wks. (1846), 68. Sic clish-clash cracks.

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1808–79.  in Jamieson.

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