eaglestone

English

Alternative forms

• eagle stone, eagle-stone

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈiːɡl̩stəʊn/

Noun

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

• aetites

Translations

concretionary nodule of iron oxide with a loose kernel inside formerly used for magical or medicinal purposes

Latin: callimus m Portuguese: pedra de águia f