scrimshaw

[ skrim-shaw ]

noun

1. a carved or engraved article, especially of whale ivory, whalebone, walrus tusks, or the like, made by whalers as a leisure occupation.
2. such articles or work collectively.
3. the art or technique of carving or engraving whale ivory, whalebone, walrus tusks, etc.

verb (used without object)

1. to produce scrimshaw.

verb (used with object)

1. to carve or engrave (whale ivory or whalebone) into scrimshaw.

scrimshaw

/ ˈskrɪmˌʃɔː /

noun

1. the art of decorating or carving shells, ivory, etc, done by sailors as a leisure activity
2. 1. an article made in this manner
   2. such articles collectively

verb

1. to produce scrimshaw (from)

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrimshaw¹

First recorded in 1860–65; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrimshaw¹

C19: origin uncertain, perhaps after a surname

Example Sentences

The Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly chambers, adorned with antlers and a scrimshaw walrus tusk, served as the nerve center for the search with Clement Sr. acting as spokesperson.

From Salon

Try your hand at scrimshaw, candle making, leatherwork, tinsmithing, felting and more.

From Seattle Times

Its centerpiece is more than 200 works of painstakingly hand-drawn scrimshaw that Riley has spent three years making.

From New York Times

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.

From New York Times

Her paintings are worked over and meticulous, condensing the artist’s labor — and that of those who assist her — into something like scrimshaw, needlework or the lattice stone screens of Mughal architecture.

From Washington Post