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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Skeleton \Skel"e*ton\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ???? (sc. ???) a dried
body, a mummy, fr. ???? dried up, parched, ???? to dry, dry
up, parch.]
1. (Anat.)
(a) The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports
the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.

Note: [See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix.]
(b) The more or less firm or hardened framework of an
invertebrate animal.
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Note: In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole
connective-tissue framework with the integument and its
appendages. See {Endoskeleton}, and {Exoskeleton}.
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2. Hence, figuratively:
(a) A very thin or lean person.
(b) The framework of anything; the principal parts that
support the rest, but without the appendages.
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The great skeleton of the world. --Sir M. Hale.
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(c) The heads and outline of a literary production,
especially of a sermon.
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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.
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{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} (Zool.), a small crustacean of the genus
{Caprella}. See Illust. under {Laemodipoda}.
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