scrimshaw verb & noun. ['skrɪmʃɔ:] Also (earlier) scrimshont & other vars.; skrimshaw. E19.
[Origin unkn. Later perh. infl. by the surname Scrimshaw. Cf. SCRIMSHANDER.]
A. verb trans. & intrans. Decorate (bone, ivory, shells, etc.) with carved or coloured designs, as a craft or pastime originally practised by sailors during long voyages. E19.
b. noun. Decoration of bone, ivory, shells, etc., with carved or coloured designs. Also, an item of work produced in this way; spec. a piece of carved or decorated bone, ivory, shell, etc. M19.

■ scrimshoner noun = SCRIMSHANDER 2 L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲