Definition of "scrimshaw" [scrim•shaw]

• The art of carving or incising intricate designs on whalebone or whale ivory. (noun)
• A decorative article made by this art. (noun)
• To decorate (whale ivory or whalebone) with intricate carvings or designs or make such designs. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Hey guys if any of you are interested in scrimshaw I found a guy down in GA that does beautiful work."
• "To ensure Quaiche's best efforts his lover is being held captive in a torturous device called a scrimshaw suit."
• "Such work done on shipboard is called scrimshaw work."