toadstone

American  

[tohd-stohn] / ˈtoʊdˌstoʊn /

noun

1. any of various stones or stonelike objects, formerly supposed to have been formed in the head or body of a toad, worn as jewels or amulets.

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toadstone British  

/ ˈtəʊdˌstəʊn /

noun

1. rare an amygdaloidal basalt occurring in the limestone regions of Derbyshire

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Etymology

Origin of toadstone

First recorded in 1550–60; toad + stone

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

toadstone

This famous toadstone is simply one of the fossil teeth of various fishes, and is chiefly formed of phosphate of lime.

From Curiosities of Medical Experience by Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)

Friar John singled him out of the whole knot of these rogues in grain, a red-snouted catchpole, who upon his right thumb wore a thick broad silver hoop, wherein was set a good large toadstone.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 4 by Motteux, Peter Anthony

Last of all he showed me a toadstone amulet set in silver, a charm to prevent and ward off the spells of fairies.

From The Heather-Moon by Williamson, A. M. (Alice Muriel)

"A toadstone, I suppose?" replied Sir Ronald, lightly.

From Heiress of Haddon by Doubleday, William E.

Dr. Clarke noticed among the pebbles near the Lake of Tiberias pieces of a porous rock resembling the substance called toadstone in England; its cavities were filled with zeolite.

From Palestine or the Holy Land From the Earliest Period to the Present Time by Russell, Michael