Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

holystone

 - 3 dictionary results

ho⋅ly⋅stone

  [hoh-lee-stohn] noun, verb, -stoned, -ston⋅ing.
Use holystone in a Sentence
–noun
1. a block of soft sandstone used in scrubbing the decks of a ship.
–verb (used with object)
2. to scrub with a holystone.
Origin:
1815–25; holy + stone; perh. orig. jocular or profane
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To holystone
ho·ly·stone   (hō'lē-stōn')   
n.  A piece of soft sandstone used for scouring the wooden decks of a ship.
tr.v.   ho·ly·stoned, ho·ly·ston·ing, ho·ly·stones
To scrub or scour with a piece of soft sandstone.

[Perhaps from a sailor's kneeling position while scouring with the stone.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

holystone 
"soft sandstone used to scrub decks of sailing ships," 1777, so called perhaps because it is full of holes.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see holystone on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way