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Webster 1913 Edition
Scrimshaw
Scrim′shawˊ
,Verb.
T.
To ornament, as shells, ivory, etc., by engraving, and (usually) rubbing pigments into the incised lines.
[Sailor’s cant. U.S.]
Scrim′shawˊ
,Noun.
A shell, a whale's tooth, or the like, that is scrimshawed.
[Sailor's cant, U.S.]
Definition 2024
scrimshaw
scrimshaw
English
Alternative forms
Noun
scrimshaw (countable and uncountable, plural scrimshaws)
- (uncountable) The manufacture of handicrafts by sailors on long voyages, especially as whittled from wood or bone.
- (countable) An item produced by scrimshaw.
Verb
scrimshaw (third-person singular simple present scrimshaws, present participle scrimshawing, simple past and past participle scrimshawed)
- To make an item of scrimshaw.