baetyl

American  

[beet-l] / ˈbit l /

Also baetulus

noun

Classical Antiquity.

1. a meteorite or stone held sacred or believed to be of divine origin.

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Other Word Forms

• baetylic adjective

Etymology

Origin of baetyl

1850–55; < Latin baetulus < Greek baítȳlos meteoric stone

Example Sentences

It has been suggested that this pit was made to hold the base of the cult-object, whether it was a baetyl or an idol.

From Rough Stone Monuments and Their Builders by Peet, T. Eric (Thomas Eric)

If the pillar which supports the slab is, like the free-standing pillars, a baetyl, the slab is probably a mere roof to cover and protect it; if not, the slab is almost certainly a table.

From Rough Stone Monuments and Their Builders by Peet, T. Eric (Thomas Eric)

At the foot of one of the trilithons was found a baetyl 51 inches in height, now in the museum at Valletta.

From Rough Stone Monuments and Their Builders by Peet, T. Eric (Thomas Eric)

This pillar can hardly be anything but a baetyl, or sacred stone.

From Rough Stone Monuments and Their Builders by Peet, T. Eric (Thomas Eric)