skeleton key
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noun
a key with nearly the whole substance of the bit filed away so that it may open various locks.
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Also called passkey.
Origin of skeleton key
First recorded in 1800–10
Words nearby skeleton key
skeletal traction, skeleton, skeleton car, skeleton in the closet, skeletonize, skeleton key, skelf, skelic index, skell, skellum, skelly
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for skeleton key
British Dictionary definitions for skeleton key
skeleton key
noun
a key with the serrated edge filed down so that it can open numerous locksAlso called: passkey
Word Origin for skeleton key
C19: so called because it has been reduced to its essential parts
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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