Dictionary

rawboned

adjective raw·boned \ˈr-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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