- Skeleton key
- Skeleton Skel"e*ton, a.
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.
[1913 Webster]
{Skeleton bill}, a bill or draft made out in blank as to the amount or payee, but signed by the acceptor. [Eng.]
{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} (Zo["o]l.), a small crustacean of the genus {Caprella}. See Illust. under {L[ae]modipoda}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
