schermaglia

From scherma +‎ -aglia.

• IPA^(key): /skerˈmaʎ.ʎa/
• Rhymes: -aʎʎa
• Hyphenation: scher‧mà‧glia

schermaglia f (plural schermaglie)

1. skirmish, controversy

   Synonyms: battibecco, scaramuccia, disputa, zuffa

2. alternation of advances and resistances during courtship; flirtation, dalliance
   • 2020 September 24, Massimo Basile, “In fila per gli ultimi saldi da Century 21: l'icona pop della moda newyorkese fa bancarotta per il Covid [In line for the last sales from Century 21: the New York fashion icon becomes bankrupt due to Covid]”, in la Repubblica‎^[1]:

     Lei, intenta a scegliersi un vestitino estivo a fiori, porta avanti la schermaglia amorosa.

     She, intent on choosing a little floral summer dress for herself, carries out amorous courtship.