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. [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 Zool., a small crustacean of the genus Caprella. See Illust. under Laemodipoda.

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