Dictionary entry

Lapidary

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Lap″i‐da‐ry (?), n.; pl.Lapidaries (#). [L. lapidarius, fr. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.] 1. An artificer who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones; hence, a dealer in precious stones.

2. A virtuoso skilled in gems or precious stones; a connoisseur of lapidary work.

Lapidary's lathe, mill, or wheel, a machine consisting essentially of a revolving lap on a vertical spindle, used by a lapidary for grinding and polishing.