1795 (earlier
schistus, 1601), from Fr.
schiste, from L.
schistos lapis "stone that splits easily" (Pliny), from Gk.
skhistos "divided, separated," from
skhizein "to split" (see
shed (v.)). The rock splits easily in layers. Liddell and Scott says Gk.
skhistos lithos was "probably talc."