Jew″el (jū″ĕl or jṳ″ĕl), n. [OE. juel, jowel, OF. jouel, juel, joiel, F. joyau, dim. of OF. joie joy, jewel, F. joie joy. See Joy.]
1. 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.
2. A precious stone; a gem. Shak.
3. An object regarded with special affection; a precious thing. “Our prince (jewel of children).” Shak.
4. A bearing for a pivot a pivot in a watch, formed of a crystal or precious stone, as a ruby.
Jewel block(Naut.), block at the extremity of a yard, through which the halyard of a studding sail is rove.