[Cf. G. wasserstein in various senses.]
† 1. A stone basin for holy water. Obs.
1379. Mem. Ripon (Surtees), III. 98. Le Waterstane pro aqua benedicta in eadem.
† 2. A kind of ‘philosopher’s stone.’ Obs. rare–1. So G. wasserstein (1709 in Grimm).
1659. J. H[owell] (title), Paracelsus his Aurora, and Treasure of the Philosophers. As also The Water-Stone of The Wise Men; Describing the matter of and manner how to attain the universal Tincture.
† 3. (Meaning obscure.) Obs.
1703. Lond. Gaz., No. 3917/4. The Loading of the Dorothy,… consisting of Canary Wines, Orchilla, Rosewood, and some few Water-Stones, will be exposed to publick Sale.
4. ? A whetstone used with water and not oil.
So G. wasserstein. But cf. WATER-OF-AYR stone.
1891. Daily News, 24 Feb., 2/1. I sharpened the large blade on my water-stone.
5. Some kind of building stone. (See quot.)
1824. G. Chalmers, Caledonia, III. 54 (Dumfriesshire) There is water-stone, which dresses into a fine polish.
6. A nodule of chalcedony having an internal cavity containing water. [So G. wasserstein.]
1867. Selwyn & Ulrich, Phys. Geog., etc. Victoria, 71, note. The chalcedony of these ‘Water Stones’ has a hardness above 8, as the sharp edges scratch topaz easily.
1869. R. B. Smyth, Gold Fields Victoria, 253. A great number of these waterstones … were exhibited in the Intercolonial Exhibition.
7. A rock-stratum abounding in water.
1878. Ansted, Water & Water Supply, 30. Several … springs were found to break out from the water-stones or lower beds of the Keuper.
