scrimshaw

Noun

a carving (or engraving) on whalebone, whale ivory, walrus tusk, etc., usually by American whalers
A small ornamental handicraft created by carving or engraving bone (originally whalebone or whales' teeth), ivory, or other materials, formerly produced by sailors on whaling ships to pass the time on long voyages.
The manufacture of small ornamental handicrafts by carving or engraving bone, ivory, or other materials, formerly by sailors on whaling ships to pass the time on long voyages.

Verb

To create (a small ornamental handicraft also called a scrimshaw) by carving or engraving on bone (originally whalebone or whales' teeth), ivory, or other materials.
To carve or engrave (bone, ivory, or other materials) with ornamental designs.
To carve or engrave (ornamental designs) on bone, ivory, or other materials.
To make a handicraft of scrimshaw.

Origin / Etymology

The origin of the verb is unknown, but it has possibly been influenced by the surname Scrimshaw. Various etymologies have been proposed (for example, that it derives from scrimshank (“(Britain, military slang) to be idle, to shirk duty”)), but the Oxford English Dictionary does not consider any of them convincing.
The noun is probably derived from the verb.

Synonyms

scrimshander, scrimshandering, scrimshandy

Scrabble Score: 19

scrimshaw: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
scrimshaw: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
scrimshaw: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 20

scrimshaw: valid Words With Friends Word