Skeleton — Defs

01 n. The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.

1.
The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.(Anat.)
2.
A very thin or lean person.
“The great skeleton of the world.” — Sir M. Hale.
3.
The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.

02 a. Consisting of, or resembling, a skeleton; consisting merely of the framework or outlines; having only certain leading features of anything;…

1.
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.

Phrases & compounds

Skeleton bill — a bill or draft made out in blank as to the amount or payee, but signed by the acceptor.

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 — a small crustacean of the genus Caprella. See Illust. under Laemodipoda.