Search the Dictionary

perstructure; groundwork; basis. Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone . . . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Is. xxviii. 16. The foundation of a free common wealth. Motley.

A wreath of chaplet made of branches, flowers, or feathers, and sometimes of precious stones, to be worn on the head like a crown; a coronal; a wreath. Pope.

A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, emerald, topaz, sapphire, beryl, spinel, etc., especially when cut and polished for ornament; a jewel. Milton.

The art of engraving on precious stones.

Relating to glyptography, or the art of engraving on precious stones. [R.]

The art or process of engraving on precious stones. [R.]

A metallic element, constituting the most precious metal used as a common commercial medium of exchange. It has a characteristic yellow color, is one of the heaviest substances known (specific gravity 19.32), is soft, and very malleable and ductile. It is quite unalterable by heat, moisture, and most corrosive agents,…

Very precious; highly valuable; excellent; eminently auspicious; as, golden opinions. Golden age. (a) The fabulous age of primeval simplicity and purity of manners in rural employments, followed by the silver, bronze, and iron ages. Dryden. (b) (Roman Literature) The best part (B. C. 81 -- A. D. 14) of the classical pe…

s in the phrases a good name, a good report, good repute, etc. A good name is better than precious ointment. Eccl. vii. 1. As good as. See under As. -- For good, or For good and all, completely and finally; fully; truly. The good woman never died after this, till she came to die for good and all. L'Estrange. -- Good b…

Without a grasp; relaxed. From my graspless hand Drop friendship's precious pearls. Coleridge.

tical communion of all faithful men is such as maketh every one to be interested in those precious blessings which any one of them receiveth at God's hands. Hooker.

Valuable beyond estimation; inestimable; priceless; precious.

An ornament of dress usually made of a precious metal, and having enamel or precious stones as a part of its design. Plate of rare device, and jewels Of rich and exquisite form. Shak.

One who makes, or deals in, jewels, precious stones, and similar ornaments. [Written also jeweller.] Jeweler's gold. See under Gold.

A piece of sport; a trick; a prank. [Obs.] Is't not a fine jig, A precious cunning, in the late Protector Beau & Fl.

An artificer who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones; hence, a dealer in precious stones.

A kind of precious stone. The third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. Ex. xxviii. 19.

One who curs or engraves precious stones.

Of or pertaining to the art of cutting and engraving precious stones.

Memory; remembrance. [Obs.] Precious is the memorial of the just. Evelyn.