eaglestone

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From eagle +‎ stone, because it was said to be found in eagles' nests.

Pronunciation

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Noun

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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, published 2012, page 183:
      There was the eagle-stone (aetites) which the Countess of Newcastle was invited to wear in 1633 to ease her labour pains […].

Synonyms

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Translations

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