Meaning of holystone in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈhoʊliˌstoʊn/

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    UK accent

  1. Verb

    holystone

    Definitions

    1. scrub with a holystone

    Examples

    • « holystone the ship's deck »

  2. Noun

    holystone

    Etymology

    early 19th century: probably from holy+ stone. Sailors called the stones ‘bibles’ or ‘prayer books’, perhaps because they scrubbed the decks on their knees

    Definitions

    1. a soft sandstone used for scrubbing the decks of a ship

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