Beehive made of woven straw. Used in the past, though abandoned in most areas in favor of removable-frame hives. Outlawed in many countries as brood can not be easily inspected for disease. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21560
Skep noun [ Icelandic skeppa a measure, bushel; confer Gael. sgeap a basket, a beehive.] 1. A coarse round farm basket. [ Obsolete or Prov. Eng. & Scot.] Tusser. 2. A beehive. [ Prov. Eng. & Scot.] Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/S/113