scrimshaw
1 of 2verb
scrim·shaw ˈskrim-ˌshȯ 
scrimshawed; scrimshawing; scrimshaws
transitive verb
: to carve or engrave into scrimshaw
intransitive verb
: to produce scrimshaw
scrimshaw
2 of 2noun
1
: any of various carved or engraved articles made originally by American whalers usually from baleen or whale ivory
2
: scrimshawed work
3
: the art, practice, or technique of producing scrimshaw
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Michelle Theriault Boots, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Apr. 2018 New York Times, 26 July 2021 Such scrimshaws were often made by New England whalers. Palm Beach Post, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2019 Buying walrus tusk carvings or engravings (also known as scrimshaw) is legal—but only if the art was done by Alaska natives. National Geographic, 14 Apr. 2016
Verb
Among them: Ivory tusks, nearly 25 scrimshawed whale teeth, and two mounted walrus skulls, a store employee told the Anchorage Daily News on Saturday. Michelle Theriault Boots, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Apr. 2018 Noun
From leather work and life-size bronze statues to intricate paintings on wasp-nest paper, scrimshaw and jewelry, his varied artistic creations reflect his unique talents and affinity with the natural world. New York Times, 26 July 2021 Such scrimshaws were often made by New England whalers. Palm Beach Post, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2019 Buying walrus tusk carvings or engravings (also known as scrimshaw) is legal—but only if the art was done by Alaska natives. National Geographic, 14 Apr. 2016 Word History
Etymology
Verb
origin unknown
First Known Use
Verb
circa 1821, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Noun
circa 1846, in the meaning defined at sense 3