scrimshaw

noun

1. a carved or engraved article, especially of whale ivory, whalebone, walrus tusks, or the like, made by whalers as a leisure occupation.
2. such articles or work collectively.
3. the art or technique of carving or engraving whale ivory, whalebone, walrus tusks, etc.

verb (used without object)

4. to produce scrimshaw.

verb (used with object)

5. to carve or engrave (whale ivory or whalebone) into scrimshaw.

noun

1. the art of decorating or carving shells, ivory, etc, done by sailors as a leisure activity
2. 1. an article made in this manner
   2. such articles collectively

verb

3. to produce scrimshaw (from)

n.1864, “A nautical word of unstable orthography” [Century Dictionary], back-formation from scrimshander (“Moby Dick,” 1851), scrimshonting (1825), American English, of unknown origin. Scrimshaw is an English surname, attested from mid-12c., from Old French escremisseor “fencing-master.”