skeleton bill

2 definitions found

skeleton bill - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Skeleton \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.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]

skeleton bill - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  SKELETON BILL, com. law. A blank paper, properly stamped, in those countries 
  where stamps are required, with the name of a person signed at the bottom. 
       2. In such case the person signing the paper will be held as the drawer 
  or acceptor, as it may be, of any bill which shall afterwards be written 
  above his name to the sum of which the stamp is applicable. 1 Bell's Com. 
  390, 5th ed.