scrimshaw
[ skrim-shaw ]
/ ˈskrɪmˌʃɔ /
Save This Word!
noun
a carved or engraved article, especially of whale ivory, whalebone, walrus tusks, or the like, made by whalers as a leisure occupation.
such articles or work collectively.
the art or technique of carving or engraving whale ivory, whalebone, walrus tusks, etc.
verb (used without object)
to produce scrimshaw.
verb (used with object)
to carve or engrave (whale ivory or whalebone) into scrimshaw.
QUIZ
SPRINT TO THE FINISH WITH THIS OLYMPICS QUIZ!
Compete in our Olympics quiz to see if you can take home the gold medal in Olympics knowledge.
Question 1 of 10
Where was the Olympics first held?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of scrimshaw
First recorded in 1860–65; of obscure origin
Words nearby scrimshaw
scrimp, scrimp and save, scrimpy, scrimshander, scrimshank, scrimshaw, scrinium, scrip, scrip dividend, scrip issue, scripophile
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use scrimshaw in a sentence
Dr. Scrimshaw died of congestive heart failure on Friday at the age of 95.
The laying of bituminous pavements in this country began in 1869, and they were first made of tar concrete, or Scrimshaw.
But our carpenter was a famous workman at "scrimshaw," and he started half a dozen walking-sticks forthwith.
The Cruise of the Cachalot|Frank T. BullenThe great jaw-pans were sawn off, and placed at the disposal of anybody who wanted pieces of bone for "scrimshaw," or carved work.
The Cruise of the Cachalot|Frank T. Bullen
British Dictionary definitions for scrimshaw
scrimshaw
/ (ˈskrɪmˌʃɔː) /
noun
the art of decorating or carving shells, ivory, etc, done by sailors as a leisure activity
- an article made in this manner
- such articles collectively
verb
to produce scrimshaw (from)
Word Origin for scrimshaw
C19: origin uncertain, perhaps after a surname
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012