The name of the river (now more commonly known simply as Ayr) at the mouth of which the town of Ayr stands. Used attrib. in Water of Ayr stone, a kind of stone found on the banks of the Ayr, used for whetstones and also for polishing.
1805. Forsyth, Beauties Scot., II. 467. Upon the banks of the water of Air, a species of white stone is found, which is well known over all Scotland by the name of the water of Air stone.
1881. Encycl. Brit., XII. 135. Among hones of less importance in general use may be noted … Water of Ayr stone, Scotch stone, or snake stone, used for tools and for polishing marble and copperplates.
1884. F. J. Britten, Watch & Clockm., 86. Finish by laying an even and straight grain across the brass with blue or water of Ayr stone.
