Boning

noun

1. A form of machine-sewing in which two or more parallel lines of stitches are made in the fabric: used especially in corset-making as a means of holding the bones in place. See two-needle machine, under sewing-machine.
2. The act or art of determining a level or plane surface or a straight level line by the guidance of the eye.
3. The clearing of bones from fish or meat.
4. The manuring of land with bones.
5. A method of leveling a line or surface by sighting along the tops of two or more straight edges, or a range of properly spaced poles. See 3d Bone, v. t.