1. the practice of carving or engraving decorative designs on whale bone, ivory, or similar materials
Usage: nautical; traditional craft

Examples

• The old sailor spent his evenings scrimshawing intricate patterns on whale teeth.
• She learned the art of scrimshawing from her grandfather who worked on whaling ships.
• The museum displayed beautiful examples of 19th-century scrimshawing.
• He was scrimshawing a compass rose design on a piece of walrus ivory.
• The maritime festival featured demonstrations of traditional scrimshawing techniques.
• After retiring from the navy, he took up scrimshawing as a hobby.