Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SKEL'E-TON, n. [Fr. squelette; It. scheletro; Sp. esqueleto; Gr. σκελετος, dry, from σκελλω, to dry, that is, to contract; allied perhaps to L. calleo, callus.]

1. The bones of an animal body, separated from the flesh and retained in their natural position or connections. When the bones are connected by the natural ligaments, it is called a natural skeleton; when by wires, or any foreign substance, an artificial skeleton. – Encyc. Wistar.
2. The campages, general structure or frame of any thing; the principal parts that support the rest, but without the appendages.
3. A very thin or lean person.