SKELETON (2)

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. Skeleton bill, a bill or draft made out in blank as to the amount or payee, but signed by the acceptor. — 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 (Zoöl.), a small crustacean of the genus Caprella. See Illust. under Læmodipoda.