scaffolding (ska folding)

[ This was but as the Scaffolding of a new edifice, which for the time must board, and overlooke the highest battlements. Milton , On Def. of Humb. Remonst. 2. Materials for scaffolds. Imp. Dict.-3. Figuratively, any sustaining part; a frame or framework, as the skeleton; especially, in embryol., a temporary formation of hard parts to be replaced by or modified into a permanent structure: as, the scaffolding of an embryonic skull. Sickne , contributing no le than old age to the shaking down this scaffolding of the body, may discover the inward structure. Pope. 4. In metal., the formation of a scaffold; an engorgement. See scaffold, 7.