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Skeleton   /skˈɛlətən/   Listen
noun
Skeleton  n.  
1.
(Anat.)
(a)
The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.
(b)
The more or less firm or hardened framework of an invertebrate animal. Note: 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."
(c)
The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.



adjective
Skeleton  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.






Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48








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"Skeleton" Quotes from Famous Books



... Holingsworth had a brother, who, like himself, was made prisoner. He was a delicate youth, and could ill endure the hardships, much less the barbarous treatment, to which the prisoners were exposed during that memorable march. He became reduced to a skeleton, and worse than that, footsore, so that he could no longer endure the pain of his feet and ankles, worn skinless, and charged with the spines of acacias, cactus, and the numerous thorny plants in which the dry soil of Mexico is so prolific. In ...
— The War Trail - The Hunt of the Wild Horse • Mayne Reid

... the house and grounds, which occupied two hours, for I was anxious to examine everything. But never was I more disappointed, for my notions, I suppose, had been raised to the romantic. I had surmised the possibly easy restoration of this once famous abbey, the mere skeleton of which is now fast crumbling to ruin. Lord Byron's immediate predecessor stripped the whole place of all that was splendid and interesting; and you may judge of what he must have done to the mansion when inform you that he converted ...
— A Publisher and His Friends • Samuel Smiles

... over the crisp white road. The hills were showing their barren beauty to the last look of the moon, which was sinking slowly out of sight. Sudden gleams of silver by the wayside betrayed the abiding-place of frozen streams. A tall maple-tree lifted its bare branches to the sky, like skeleton ...
— Lippincott's Magazine, November 1885 • Various

... whom he has already seduced from their duty, and lured over with honeyed words and large promises to the body he is raising. The fact is, my Lord, if our men were not so devotedly attached to my son and myself as they are, Hartley's unjustifiable interference would leave the corps a mere skeleton. As it is, he has taken eighteen of our very best men from us; by best, I allude only to youth and physical energy, for I need scarcely say, that all the staunch and loyal fellows remain with us. I am sorry to add that Mr. Hickman, as I predicted he would, is vigorously supporting your opponent; ...
— Valentine M'Clutchy, The Irish Agent - The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two • William Carleton

... cell of a departed anchoret, His skeleton and flitting ghost are there, Sole tenants— And all the City silent as the Moon That steeps in quiet light the steady vanes Of her ...
— The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge - Vol I and II • Samuel Taylor Coleridge


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