Skŭll1, n.
n. [O. H. Ger. sciulla, skull, Sw. skalle, skull, skâl, a shell, Dan. skal, a shell, and i. q. hierneskal, a skull, Ger. hirnschale, i. e., brain-shell; also schädel, schedel, O. H. Ger. scêtela, D. schedel, scheel; Icel. kollr, skull; Scot. skul, skoll, a bowl. Cf. SCALE and SHELL.]
Sense 1. (Anat.) The bony case which incloses the brain, composed of a number of bones united by sutures, and including the solid organs of manducation.
☞ It is regarded by many osteologists as corresponding, normally, to several combined vertebræ. Owen makes out four, and names them, beginning behind, the occipital, the parietal, the frontal, the nasal; or the epencephalic, the mesencephalic, the prosencephalic, the rhinencephalic.
Sense 2. An empty, brainless head. “Skulls that can not teach and will not learn.” Cowper.
Sense 3. A skull-cap. [Obs. and rare.]
Let me put on my skull first. Beau. & Fl.
Sense 4. An oar. See SCULL.