Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Touchstone
Touch′stoneˊ
,Noun.
1.
(Min.)
Lydian stone; basanite; – so called because used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak which is left upon the stone when it is rubbed by the metal. See
Basanite
. 2.
Fig.: Any test or criterion by which the qualities of a thing are tried.
Hooker.
The foregoing doctrine affords us also a
touchstone
for the trial of spirits. South.
Irish touchstone
(Min.)
, basalt, the stone which composes the Giant’s Causeway.
Webster 1828 Edition
Touchstone
TOUCHSTONE
,Noun.
1.
A stone by which metals are examined; a black, smooth, glossy stone. The touchstone of the ancients was called lapis Lydius, from Lydia in Asia Minor, where it was found.2.
Any test or criterion by which the qualities of a thing are tried; as money, the touchstone of common honesty.Irish touchstone, is the basalt, the stone which composes the Giant's causey. This is said also to be an excellent touchstone.
Definition 2024
touchstone
touchstone
English
Noun
touchstone (plural touchstones)
- A stone used to check the quality of gold alloys by rubbing them to leave a visible trace.
- (figuratively, by extension) A standard of comparison or evaluation.
- South
- The foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone for the trial of spirits.
- South
Translations
A stone used to test the quality of gold alloys
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A standard of comparison or evaluation