scrimshaw
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scrim·shaw
(skrĭm′shô′)n. pl. scrimshaw or scrim·shaws
1. The art of carving or incising intricate designs on the teeth, bones, or baleen of whales.
2. A decorative article made by this art.
v. 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.
[Probably from scrimshander.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
scrimshaw
(ˈskrɪmˌʃɔː)n
1. (Crafts) the art of decorating or carving shells, ivory, etc, done by sailors as a leisure activity
2. (Crafts)
a. an article made in this manner
b. such articles collectively
vb
(Crafts) to produce scrimshaw (from)
[C19: origin uncertain, perhaps after a surname]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
scrim•shaw
(ˈskrɪmˌʃɔ)n.
1. a carved or engraved article, esp. of whale ivory or whalebone.
2. such articles or work collectively.
3. the art or technique of producing such work.
v.i. 4. to produce scrimshaw.
v.t. 5. to carve or engrave (whale ivory or whalebone) into scrimshaw.
[1860–65; of obscure orig.]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
scrimshaw
Past participle: scrimshawed
Gerund: scrimshawing
| Imperative |
|---|
| scrimshaw |
| scrimshaw |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
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| Noun | 1. |  scrimshaw - a carving (or engraving) on whalebone, whale ivory, walrus tusk, etc., usually by American whalerscarving - a sculpture created by removing material (as wood or ivory or stone) in order to create a desired shape |
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