the bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.-the more or less firm or hardened framework of an invertebrate animal.-a very thin or lean person.-the framework of anything; the principal parts that support the rest, but without the appendages.-the heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon.-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.