SKELETON

skeleton. Skeleton, n. the human bones entire, one very thin

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Skel″e‐ton (?), n. [] 1. 1. (Anat.) (a) The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal. [See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix.] (b) The more or less firm or hardened framework of an invertebrate animal.
☞ In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole connective-tissue framework with the integument and its appendages. See Endoskeleton, and Exoskeleton. 2. 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.