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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 : [ gcide ]
Touchstone \Touch"stone`\, n.
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.
[1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: Any test or criterion by which the qualities of a
thing are tried. --Hooker.
[1913 Webster]
The foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone
for the trial of spirits. --South.
[1913 Webster]
Irish touchstone (Min.), basalt, the stone which composes
the Giant's Causeway.
[1913 Webster]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) : [ web1913 ]
Touchstone \Touch"stone`\, n.
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.