oilstone, n.
(ˈɔɪlstəʊn)
A smooth and fine-grained whetstone, the rubbing-surface of which is lubricated with oil; the stone of which such whetstones are made (Simmonds Dict. Trade 1858).
| 1585 Higins Junius' Nomenclator 412/1 Cos cretica,..an oylestone, or a Barbars whetstone smeared with oyle, or spitle. 1598 in Florio s.v. Saliuaria. 1709 Phil. Trans. XXVI. 493, I set it sometimes upon an Oyl-stone or Hone. 1812–16 J. Smith Panorama Sc. & Art I. 24 They will leave the surface of metal..almost as smooth as an oil-stone. 1853 [see abrasive B. n.]. 1885 [see Arkansas 1]. 1947 J. C. Rich Materials & Methods Sculpture x. 300 Fine oilstones are generally used for sharpening flat chisels. 1966 A. W. Lewis Gloss. Woodworking Terms 63 Oilstone slips or slipstones, oilstones of a variety of shapes used to sharpen gouges, [etc.]. |
Hence ˈoilstone v. trans., to sharpen on an oilstone.
| 1876 J. Rose Pract. Machinist iii. 51 If, therefore, a hole requires to be made unusually smooth, the [boring] tool must be given less top rake, and may then be oilstoned. 1888 C. M. Woodward Manual Training xv. (1890) 247 To grind his plane and oil-stone it. |