scrimshaw Hear it!

scrimshaw definition

scrim·shaw (skrims̸hô′)

noun

  1. intricate decoration and carving of bone, ivory, etc., as of whales and walruses, done esp. by sailors on long voyages
  2. an article so made, or such articles collectively

Etymology: earlier also scrimshander < ?

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to carve (shells, bone, etc.) in making scrimshaw

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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