* Old Norse: It likely originates from the Old Norse word "skip", meaning "ship". This word was also used for "ship's captain".
* Middle English: In Middle English, "skip" evolved into "skippe" and then "skipper", still referring to the captain of a small ship, particularly a fishing vessel.
* Modern English: Over time, "skipper" expanded its meaning to include the captain of any small boat, and even the captain of a sports team.
Therefore, the word "skipper" is a direct descendent of the Old Norse word for "ship" and originally denoted the captain of a ship, specifically a small fishing vessel.