Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Skeleton
Skel′e-ton
,Noun.
[NL., fr. Gr. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK][GREEK] (sc. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK]) a dried body, a mummy, fr. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK][GREEK] dried up, parched, [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK][GREEK] to dry, dry up, parch.]
1.
(Anat.)
(a)
The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.
[See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix.]
(b)
The more or less firm or hardened framework of an invertebrate animal.
☞ In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole connective-tissue framework with the integument and its appendages. See
Endoskeleton
, and Exoskeleton
. 2.
Hence, figuratively: (a)
A very thin or lean person.
(b)
The framework of anything; the principal parts that support the rest, but without the appendages.
The great
skeleton
of the world. Sir M. Hale.
(c)
The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.
Skel′e-ton
,Adj.
Consisting of, or resembling, a skeleton; consisting merely of the framework or outlines; having only certain leading features of anything;
as, a
skeleton
sermon; a skeleton
crystal.Skeleton bill
, a bill or draft made out in blank as to the amount or payee, but signed by the acceptor.
[Eng.]
– Skeleton key
, a key with nearly the whole substance of the web filed away, to adapt it to avoid the wards of a lock; a master key; – used for opening locks to which it has not been especially fitted.
– Skeleton leaf
, a leaf from which the pulpy part has been removed by chemical means, the fibrous part alone remaining.
– Skeleton proof
, a proof of a print or engraving, with the inscription outlined in hair strokes only, such proofs being taken before the engraving is finished.
– Skeleton regiment
, a regiment which has its complement of officers, but in which there are few enlisted men.
– Skeleton shrimp
(Zool.)
, a small crustacean of the genus
Caprella
. See Illust. under Laemodipoda
.Webster 1828 Edition
Skeleton
SKEL'ETON
,Noun.
1.
The bones of an animal body, separated from the flesh and retained in their natural position or connections. When the bones are connected by the natural ligaments, it is called a natural skeleton; when by wires, or any foreign substance, an artificial skeleton.2.
The compages, general structure or frame of any thing; the principal parts that support the rest, but without the appendages.3.
A very thin or lean person.