from
The 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]
from
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.