Dictionary
rawboned
adjective raw·boned \ˈrȯ-ˌbōnd\
: thin with bones that show under the skin
Full Definition of RAWBONED
: relatively thin with prominent bone structure; also : heavy-framed and rugged but not attractively built
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First Known Use of RAWBONED
1591
Synonym Discussion of RAWBONED
lean, spare, lank, lanky, gaunt, rawboned, scrawny, skinny mean thin because of an absence of excess flesh. lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours <a lean racehorse>. spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise <the gymnast's spare figure>. lank implies tallness as well as leanness <the lank legs of the heron>. lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness <a lanky youth, all arms and legs>. gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering <a prisoner's gaunt face>. rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment <a rawboned farmer>. scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality <a scrawny chicken> <skinny street urchins>.
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