before the days of underboarding (sheathing),,,approx 1670, 
structures were clapboarded directly over framing purlins, etc. 
and in an effort to tie the bottom framing structure together, 
and waterproof the lower areas of siding, a skirting board was 
installed, sometimes up to over a foot wide and as thick as 1 3/4 inches.
Quite often, a ship lap or notched detail was milled into the skirt board,
to tie the first course of clapboard onto the skirting, an option vs flashing etc.
Originally, at these areas that were very low to the ground, and occasionally, 
ended up below grade, another option was a graduated clapboard installation.
(piano roll) to protect the structure from external water damage, from the ground
and the roof water.  Ironically, little attention was given to the top courses of 
siding, with clapboard often cut around rafters, and butting up to the roof shingles....
only later were fascias, soffits, planchers and frieze and dental trims introduced
to design professionals.  Hope this helps.......oh yes....my source.....
The Framed houses of Massachusetts Bay 1625-1725 by Abbot Lowell Cummings...(page 161)

---- "Kennedy wrote: 
> 
> 
> Ok I know I am opening my self up here but how (if at all) was this term
> used for buildings or for that matter is it a term that is still used?
> 
> Close as I get to using it in a construction sense around here =
> skirting is what you put at the bottom of your house trailor to the
> ground to keep out the possums and cold wind.
> 
> 
> Pat rick
> 
> 
> 
> --
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