oilstone

[ oil-stohn ]

noun

1. a block of fine-grained stone, usually oiled, oil, for putting the final edge on certain cutting tools by abrasion.

oilstone

/ ˈɔɪlˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a stone with a fine grain lubricated with oil and used for sharpening cutting tools See also whetstone

Word History and Origins

Origin of oilstone¹

First recorded in 1575–85; oil + stone

Example Sentences

Squires tossed pails of water over cookfires, while soldiers took out their oilstones to give their blades one last good lick.

From Literature

"There, across the yard, at the door of the armory, do you see the boy squatting by the steps honing a sword with an oilstone?"

From Literature

If it is too coarse it leaves a rough edge, which may, however, be smoothed with an oilstone slip.

From Project Gutenberg

Under the head of oilstones or hones proper the most famous and best-known qualities are the German razor hone, the Turkey oilstone, and the Arkansas stone.

From Project Gutenberg

Coal along Arkansas river; iron ores in Ozark Mountains; salt springs near Ouachita; oilstone near Hot Springs; kaolin in Pulaski county.

From Project Gutenberg