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Webster 1913 Edition


Eaglestone

Ea′gle-stone

,
Noun.
(Min.)
A concretionary nodule of clay ironstone, of the size of a walnut or larger, so called by the ancients, who believed that the eagle transported these stones to her nest to facilitate the laying of her eggs; aëtites.

Definition 2024


eaglestone

eaglestone

English

Alternative forms

  • eagle stone, eagle-stone

Noun

eaglestone (plural eaglestones)

  1. A concretionary nodule of iron oxide with a loose kernel inside such that it makes a rattling noise, formerly used for magical or medicinal purposes.
    • 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society 2012, p. 183:
      There was the eagle-stone (aetites) which the Countess of Newcastle was invited to wear in 1633 to ease her labour pains […].

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