Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Skean \Skean\, n. [Ir sgian; akin to Gael. sgian, W. ysgien a
   large knife, a scimiter.]
   A knife or short dagger, esp. that in use among the
   Highlanders of Scotland. [Variously spelt.] ``His skean, or
   pistol.'' --Spenser.