scrimshaw
[skrim-shaw]
- 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.
Show More
- to produce scrimshaw.
Show More
- to carve or engrave (whale ivory or whalebone) into scrimshaw.
Show More
Origin of scrimshaw
First recorded in 1860–65; of obscure origin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for scrimshaw
Contemporary Examples
Dr. Scrimshaw died of congestive heart failure on Friday at the age of 95.
Historical Examples
But our carpenter was a famous workman at "scrimshaw," and he started half a dozen walking-sticks forthwith.
The Cruise of the CachalotFrank T. Bullen
The 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 CachalotFrank T. Bullen
The laying of bituminous pavements in this country began in 1869, and they were first made of tar concrete, or Scrimshaw.
scrimshaw
- 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
Show More
- to produce scrimshaw (from)
Show More
Word Origin
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
Word Origin and History for scrimshaw
n.
1864, "A nautical word of unstable orthography" [Century Dictionary], back-formation from scrimshander ("Moby Dick," 1851), scrimshonting (1825), American English, of unknown origin. Scrimshaw is an English surname, attested from mid-12c., from Old French escremisseor "fencing-master."
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper