SKELETON KEY Meaning and
Definition
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A skeleton key is a specific kind of key that is designed to open multiple locks within a given lock system or type. It is characterized by its versatile shape and usually has a simple, basic structure, lacking intricate warding or unique configurations found in regular keys.
Skeleton keys were primarily used in the past before the advent of modern lock technology. These keys were designed to fit into a variety of different locks, making them a handy tool for locksmiths or building owners who required access to multiple locked spaces without carrying a large number of individual keys. However, due to their universal design, skeleton keys also became infamous for facilitating unauthorized access or break-ins.
Typically, a skeleton key consists of a long shank with a cylindrical or tubular handle on one end, while the other end has a triangular or rectangular bit that fits into the keyhole of the lock. The simplicity of the skeleton key allows it to be used with different types of locks, whether they are lever locks, pin tumbler locks, or antique locks.
With the advancements in lock technology, the need for skeleton keys has diminished significantly. Nowadays, most locks are designed to be pick-resistant, and skeleton keys themselves are usually associated with historical connotations or fictional narratives rather than practical use in the modern world.
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A thin light key with nearly the whole centre parts filed away.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SKELETON KEY
- akeleton key
- zkeleton key
- xkeleton key
- dkeleton key
- ekeleton key
- wkeleton key
- sjeleton key
- smeleton key
- sleleton key
- soeleton key
- sieleton key
- skwleton key
- sksleton key
- skdleton key
- skrleton key
- sk4leton key
- sk3leton key
- skeketon key
- skepeton key
Etymology of SKELETON KEY
The word "skeleton key" is a compound noun that combines two words: "skeleton" and "key".
The word "skeleton" comes from the Greek word "skeleton", which means "dried-up body" or "mummy". In English, it was first used in the mid-16th century to refer to the framework or structure of the human body, especially after the flesh has decayed or been removed. Over time, "skeleton" evolved to refer to any bony framework in animals in general.
The word "key" comes from the Old English word "cǣg" or "cǣge", which meant "a device that locks or unlocks" and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "kaigaz". The term "key" has been used since ancient times to describe various objects used to open locks or operate mechanisms.
Similar spelling word for SKELETON KEY
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