Definition of Skeleton key

1. Noun. A passkey with much of the bit filed away so that it can open different locks.

Generic synonyms: Master, Master Key, Passe-partout, Passkey

Definition of Skeleton key

1. Noun. A very simple design of key that usually has a cylindrical shaft (sometimes called a "shank") and a single, minimal flat, rectangular tooth or "bit". ¹

2. Noun. A key that has parts filed away so that it will open a range of locks ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Skeleton Key

skeletalizes
skeletalizing
skeletally
skeletogenesis
skeletogenous
skeletology
skeletomusculature
skeleton
skeleton appendiculare
skeleton axiale
skeleton crew
skeleton fork fern
skeleton hand
skeleton in the closet
skeleton in the cupboard
skeleton key
skeleton keys
skeleton of free inferior limb
skeleton of free superior limb
skeleton of heart
skeleton shrimp
skeleton staff
skeleton staffs
skeleton thoracicus
skeletoned
skeletoneer
skeletoneers
skeletonic
skeletoning
skeletonisation

Literary usage of Skeleton key

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Penny Cyclopaedia of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge by Charles Knight (1851)
"4. sents a key for a solid-warded lock, which might, however, be easily picked by a skeleton key resembling r, Fig. 6. The greater complication of the wards ..."

2. The English Cyclopaedia by Charles Knight (1867)
"4. a solid-warded lock, which might, however, be easily picked by a skeleton key resembling r, Fig. 6. The greater complication of "the wards in m, Fig. ..."

3. The Supplement to the Penny Cyclopædia of the Society for the Diffusion of by George Long, Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (Great Britain) (1846)
"... the only part essential to the moving of the bolt being the extremity of the bit, which i« retained in the skeleton key with nothing but a slender piece ..."

4. Bookkeeping Excercises for Accountant Students by Lawrence Robert Dicksee (1904)
"skeleton key. . ' \ . 46.—Totals of Trial Balance, £122326. Gross Profit, £24059. Net Profit, £8447 ( Balance of Profit and Loss Account, £9472. ..."

5. The Cold Storage Baby ... 1908: A Lawyer's Text-book on Honest Money and by Denis O'Sullivan (1908)
"... BANKERS' skeleton key No GOVERNMENT should issue "currency," or permit it to be issued, if it is able to issue money, or certificates showing it has ..."

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