scrimshaw

(skrim′s̸hô′)

☆

noun

intricate decoration and carving of bone, ivory, etc., as of whales and walruses, done esp. by sailors on long voyages
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

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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