scrimshaw

(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

Origin: earlier also scrimshander < ?

transitive verb, intransitive verb

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

See scrimshaw in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. scrimshaw or scrim·shaws
  1. The art of carving or incising intricate designs on whalebone or whale ivory.
  2. A decorative article made by this art.
verb scrim·shawed, scrim·shaw·ing, scrim·shaws
tr. & intr.v.
To decorate (whale ivory or whalebone) with intricate carvings or designs or make such designs.

Origin:

Origin: Probably from scrimshander

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