bed stone

noun

1. the fixed lower member of a pair of millstones. Compare runner ( def 12 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of bed stone¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

“When I was a kid, a bed stone was something you heated up — in freezing-cold Scotland, the rural parts of it, they would heat up a stone as a bed warmer,” Mr. McIndoe recalled.

From New York Times

Mr. Wesley said that a bed stone, which “is supposed to lull you to sleep,” was indeed the inspiration for a drink that’s smooth and soothing.

From New York Times

In the upper stone was a species of funnel, through which the grain passed as through a hopper, making its way thence, as the stone revolved, into the space between the running and the bed stone.

From Project Gutenberg

The one on the bottom was called the bed stone and the upper one the runner.

From Project Gutenberg

The nether, called the 'bed stone,' is stationary; the upper millstone, or 'runner,' revolves, and the grain crushed between the two works out along the furrows to the edge.

From Project Gutenberg