scrimshaw

views updated Jun 27 2018

scrim·shaw / ˈskrimˌshô/ • v. [tr.] adorn (whalebone, ivory, shells, or other materials) with carved or colored designs.• n. a piece of work done in such a way. ∎  the art or technique of producing such work: craftsmen demonstrate sailmaking and scrimshaw.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

scrimshaw

views updated May 21 2018

scrimshaw (sl.) handicrafts practised by sailors on long voyages. XIX. of unkn. orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

scrimshaw

All Sources -
Updated Aug 08 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic

You Might Also Like