scrimshaw

views updated Jun 27 2018

scrim·shaw / ˈskrimˌshô/ • v. [tr.] adorn (whalebone, ivory, shells, or other materials) with carved or colored designs.• n. a piece of work done in such a way. ∎  the art or technique of producing such work: craftsmen demonstrate sailmaking and scrimshaw.

scrimshaw

views updated May 21 2018

scrimshaw (sl.) handicrafts practised by sailors on long voyages. XIX. of unkn. orig.