noun

1. the hard framework of an animal body, supporting the tissues and protecting the organs; specif., all the bones collectively, or the bony framework, of a human being or other vertebrate animal
2. anything like a skeleton in any of various ways
   1. a very lean or emaciated person or animal
   2. a supporting framework, as of a ship
   3. an outline or preliminary sketch, as of a novel
   4. the meager or devitalized remains of something

Etymology: ModL < Gr < skeleton (sōma), dried (body), mummy < skeletos, dried up, akin to sklēros, dry, hard < IE base *(s)kel- > shallow

adjective

1. of or like a skeleton; specif., of, or having the nature of, the main or essential outline, framework, etc. a skeleton plan
2. greatly reduced a skeleton force