Word Study
scrimshaw
CIDE DICTIONARY
scrimshaw, v. t.
To ornament, as shells, ivory, etc., by engraving, and (usually) rubbing pigments into the incised lines. [1913 Webster]
scrimshaw, n.
A shell, a whale's tooth, or the like, that is scrimshawed. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
scrimshaw, v. & n.
--v.tr. (also absol.) adorn (shells, ivory, etc.) with carved or coloured designs (as sailors' pastime at sea).
--n. work or a piece of work of this kind.
--v.tr. (also absol.) adorn (shells, ivory, etc.) with carved or coloured designs (as sailors' pastime at sea).
--n. work or a piece of work of this kind.
Etymology
19th c.: perh. f. a surname
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