Lapidaries

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Lapidary \Lap"i*da*ry\, n.; pl. {Lapidaries}. [L. lapidarius,
     fr. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.]
     1. An artificer who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious
        stones; hence, a dealer in precious stones.
        [1913 Webster]
  


     2. A virtuoso skilled in gems or precious stones; a
        connoisseur of lapidary work.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {Lapidary's lathe}, {Lapidary's mill}, {Lapidary's wheel}, a
        machine consisting essentially of a revolving lap on a
        vertical spindle, used by a lapidary for grinding and
        polishing.
        [1913 Webster]