Note: [See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix.]
(b) The more or less firm or hardened framework of an
invertebrate animal.
Note: In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole
connective-tissue framework with the integument and its
appendages. See {Endoskeleton}, and {Exoskeleton}.
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.
The great skeleton of the world. --Sir M. Hale.
(c) The heads and outline of a literary production,
especially of a sermon.
{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} (Zo["o]l.), a small crustacean of the genus
{Caprella}. See Illust. under {L[ae]modipoda}.