scrimshaw

Definition of Scrimshaw in English :

1. scrimshaw

a carving (or engraving) on whalebone, whale ivory, walrus tusk, etc., usually by American whalers

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Scrimshaw

noun

1.

the art of decorating or carving shells, ivory, etc, done by sailors as a leisure activity

2.

a.

an article made in this manner

b.

such articles collectively

verb

3.

to produce scrimshaw (from)

noun

1.

intricate decoration and carving of bone, ivory, etc., as of whales and walruses, done esp. by sailors on long voyages

2.

an article so made, or such articles collectively

verb transitive, verb intransitive

3.

to carve (shells, bone, etc.) in making scrimshaw

n. pl. scrimshaw or scrim·shaws

1. The art of carving or incising intricate designs on the teeth, bones, or baleen of whales.

2. A decorative article made by this art.

v. scrim·shawed, scrim·shaw·ing, scrim·shaws

tr. & intr.v.

To decorate (whale ivory or whalebone) with intricate carvings or designs or make such designs.