Scrimshaw

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈskrɪmˌʃɔ/

Definitions of scrimshaw

noun a type of handiwork made by whalers or sailors involving the carving or engraving of whalebone, whale ivory, or other materials

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a beautiful scrimshaw pendant at the souvenir shop.

A2 The museum had a collection of scrimshaw carvings from the 19th century.

B1 The sailor spent hours creating intricate scrimshaw designs on whale teeth.

B2 The art of scrimshaw has a long history in maritime culture.

C1 The scrimshaw artist was renowned for his attention to detail and craftsmanship.

C2 Collectors pay top dollar for authentic scrimshaw pieces from the 1800s.

verb to carve or engrave designs on whalebone, whale ivory, or other materials

Example Sentences

A1 I tried to scrimshaw a design onto a piece of bone.

A2 She learned how to scrimshaw intricate patterns on ivory.

B1 The artist scrimshawed a beautiful scene on a whale tooth.

B2 He has been scrimshawing for years and his work is highly sought after.

C1 The master scrimshawsman spent hours meticulously carving intricate designs on ivory.

C2 Her scrimshawing technique is unparalleled in the art world.

Examples of scrimshaw in a Sentence

formal The scrimshaw art pieces on display at the museum were meticulously carved by skilled craftsmen.

informal I found a cool scrimshaw pendant at the flea market today.

slang Check out this sick scrimshaw knife I just bought!

figurative Her words were like delicate scrimshaw etchings on my heart, leaving a lasting impression.

Grammatical Forms of scrimshaw

past tense

scrimshawed

plural

scrimshaws

comparative

more scrimshaw

superlative

most scrimshaw

present tense

scrimshaws

future tense

will scrimshaw

perfect tense

have scrimshawed

continuous tense

is scrimshawing

singular

scrimshaw

positive degree

scrimshaw

infinitive

to scrimshaw

gerund

scrimshawing

participle

scrimshawed

Origin and Evolution of scrimshaw

First Known Use: 0019 year
Language of Origin: British English
Story behind the word: The word 'scrimshaw' is believed to have originated from the British slang term 'scrimshank', which means to shirk or evade work. It was used by sailors to refer to the intricate carvings they made on whale teeth or bones during long voyages at sea.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'scrimshaw' came to specifically refer to the art of carving or engraving on whale bones or teeth by sailors. It has evolved to encompass any type of intricate artwork created by sailors during their travels, not limited to just whale bones or teeth.