Definition
The art of carving or engraving intricate designs into bone, ivory, or walrus tusks, traditionally practiced by sailors during whaling expeditions. The resulting decorated objects are also called scrimshaw and were often used as practical items like utensils or decorative keepsakes.
Example Usage
The whaler spent his long hours at sea creating scrimshaw from sperm whale teeth, selling his handiwork at port.
Origin
Origin uncertain; possibly from Dutch 'schrijven' (to write/draw) or from sailor slang, first documented in early 1800s.
Fun Fact
Scrimshaw peaked in popularity during the 19th-century whaling boom and is now a protected art form; modern scrimshanders use only legally salvaged materials.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “scrimshaw” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator