1. [n]  the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape; "the building has a steel skeleton"
2. [n]  the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal

Skeleton
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1. \Skel"e*ton\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ???? (sc. ???) a dried
   body, a mummy, fr. ???? dried up, parched, ???? to dry, dry
   up, parch.]
   1. (Anat.)
      (a) The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports
          the soft parts of a vertebrate animal.
   Note: [See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix.]
      (b) The more or less firm or hardened framework of an
          invertebrate animal.
   Note: In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole
         connective-tissue framework with the integument and its
         appendages. See {Endoskeleton}, and {Exoskeleton}.
   2. Hence, figuratively:
      (a) A very thin or lean person.
      (b) The framework of anything; the principal parts that
          support the rest, but without the appendages.
                The great skeleton of the world.  --Sir M. Hale.
      (c) The heads and outline of a literary production,
          especially of a sermon.
   

2. \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}.