Min. [a. F. lignite (A. Brongniart in 1807), f. L. lign-um wood: see -ITE.] A variety of brown coal bearing visible traces of its ligneous structure.
1808. T. Allan, Names Min., 42.
1849. Murchison, Siluria, xii. 307. The pitch-lakes of Trinidad … are known to exude from Tertiary lignites.
1872. Nicholson, Palæont., 501. The lignites of Austria have yielded very numerous plant-remains.
attrib. 1839. Penny Cycl., XIII. 480/2. In the Isle of Wight (Alum Bay) lignite beds … occur.
1851. Illustr. Catal. Gt. Exhib., 1125. Lignite blocks … used as a combustible.
