Skeleton (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; (sc. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;) a dried body, a mummy, fr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; dried up, parched, &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; to dry, dry up, parch.] 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.
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&hand_; In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole connective-tissue framework with the integument and its appendages. See Endoskeleton, and Exoskeleton.
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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.
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The great skeleton of the world. Sir M. Hale.
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(c) The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.
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