Rattleboned is an adjective that describes someone or something as being extremely frail, weak, or emaciated. It is derived from the combination of two words: "rattle" and "boned." The term is often used metaphorically to emphasize an individual's physical or mental state, suggesting a lack of strength, robustness, or vitality.
When applied to a person, rattleboned implies a person who appears extremely thin or gaunt, often due to illness, malnutrition, or extreme weight loss. It suggests a skeletal-like appearance where one's bones seem prominent or visible, as if they could rattle or shake due to their frailness. The term can also connote a person lacking energy or stamina, likely due to physical weakness or exhaustion.
In a broader sense, rattleboned can be used to describe any object, structure, or system that appears feeble, dilapidated, or on the verge of collapsing. For instance, an old wooden chair with loose joints and creaking sounds when moved could be referred to as rattleboned.
Overall, the term rattleboned conveys a sense of extreme fragility, weakness, and vulnerability. It paints a vivid picture of a person, object, or system that is lacking in vitality, strength, or substance, evoking a deep impression of physical or mental frailty.
