(3 syl.).
Eagle-stones. (Greek, aetos, an eagle.)
Hollow stones composed of several crusts, one within another. Supposed
at one time to form part of an eagle's nest. Pliny mentions them.
Kirwan applies the name to clay ironstones having a globular crust of
oxide investing an ochreous kernel. Mythically, they are supposed to
have the property of detecting theft.
More on Aetites from Infoplease:
- Aetites - Aetites A′etites (3 syl.). Eagle-stones. (Greek, aetos, an eagle.) Hollow stones composed of ...
- Eagle-stones - Eagle-stones or Aetites Yellow clay ironstones supposed to have sanative and magical virtues. They ...
- Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: A - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "A"
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