agate

Definitions

1. 1.(Min.) A semipellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen. Its colors are delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds. Note: The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss agate, the clouded agate, etc., are familiar varieties.
2. 2.(Print.) A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby. Note: This line is printed in the type called agate.
3. 3.A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. [Obs.] Shak.
4. 4.A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; -- so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Related questions

• What does "agate" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is agate.

• What is a kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby. Note: This line is printed in the type called agate called?
• What is a diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. [Obs.] Shak called?
• What is a tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; -- so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing called?