skeleton key

2 definitions found

skeleton key - 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 key - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  skeleton key
      n 1: a passkey with much of the bit filed away so that it can
           open different locks