taxidermy
(ˈtæksɪˌdɜːmɪ)
[mod. f. Gr. τάξι-ς arranging, arrangement + δέρµα skin: cf. Gr. παχυδερµία thickness of skin.]
The art of preparing and preserving the skins of animals, and stuffing and mounting them so as to present the appearance, attitude, etc. of the living animal.
| 1820 (title) Taxidermy: or the Art of Collecting, Preparing, and Mounting Objects of Natural History. For the Use of Museums and Travellers. 1842 Brande Dict. Sc., etc. s.v., The most popular treatise on taxidermy is Mr. Swainson's volume in Lardner's Cyclopedia. 1854 Badham Halieut. 112 The inhabitants of the sea cannot be preserved except as mummies; they are the opprobrium of taxidermy. |