What is "skeleton shrimp"

Shrimp \Shrimp\, n. [OE. shrimp; -- probably so named from its shriveled appearance. See Shrimp, v.]

1. (Zo["o]l.)

   1. Any one of numerous species of macruran Crustacea belonging to Crangon and various allied genera, having a slender body and long legs. Many of them are used as food. The larger kinds are called also prawns. See Illust. of Decapoda.

   2. In a more general sense, any species of the macruran tribe Caridea, or any species of the order Schizopoda, having a similar form.

   3. In a loose sense, any small crustacean, including some amphipods and even certain entomostracans; as, the fairy shrimp, and brine shrimp. See under Fairy, and Brine.

2. Figuratively, a little wrinkled man; a dwarf; -- in contempt.

   This weak and writhled shrimp.
   --Shak.

   Opossum shrimp. (Zo["o]l.) See under Opossum.

   Spector shrimp, or Skeleton shrimp (Zo["o]l.), any slender amphipod crustacean of the genus Caprella and allied genera. See Illust. under L[ae]modopoda.

   Shrimp catcher (Zo["o]l.), the little tern ( Sterna minuta).

   Shrimp net, a dredge net fixed upon a pole, or a sweep net dragged over the fishing ground.

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.

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 (Zo["o]l.), a small crustacean of the genus Caprella. See Illust. under L[ae]modipoda.

n. small amphipod crustacean having a grotesque form suggestive of the praying mantis; found chiefly on seaweed