Definition of "scrimshaw" in English

verb

1. To create (a small ornamental handicraft also called a scrimshaw) by carving or engraving on bone (originally whalebone or whales' teeth), ivory, or other materials.

2. To carve or engrave (bone, ivory, or other materials) with ornamental designs.

3. To carve or engrave (ornamental designs) on bone, ivory, or other materials.

4. (intransitive) To make a handicraft of scrimshaw.

noun

1. (countable) A small ornamental handicraft created by carving or engraving bone (originally whalebone or whales' teeth), ivory, or other materials, formerly produced by sailors on whaling ships to pass the time on long voyages.

2. (uncountable) The manufacture of small ornamental handicrafts by carving or engraving bone, ivory, or other materials, formerly by sailors on whaling ships to pass the time on long voyages.