n.a representation of
death or of threatened
death in the
form of a human skull on or above two crossed leg bones. This
symbol is used on labels of poisonous
materials, such as on bottles containing harmful chemicals. It has also been used as insignia on articles or
items of various
secret societies to terrorize outsiders, etc. It was, however, first seen on pirates' flags and commonly consisted of a white skull and crossbones on a black background.