Obs. [ad. F. espinelle (Cotgr.), later spinelle.] A kind of ruby; = SPINEL.
1595–6. Burel, in J. Watson, Collect., II. 11 (Jam.).
| Syne thair wes hung at thair hals bane, | |
| The Espinell a precious stane. |
1677. Sir T. Herbert, Trav. (ed. 4), 359. Here [at Pegu] is store of Gold, Silver,… Espinels, and Cats-eyes.
