‖ smaragdus Now rare.
(sməˈrægdəs)
[L., a. Gr. σµάραγδος, first recorded in Herodotus; the form µάραγδος also occurs in poets. The word is probably foreign to Greek, and connected with Skr. marakata, marakta emerald.]
= smaragd.
| 1382 Wyclif Rev. xxi. 19 The first foundement, iaspis;..the fourthe, smaragdus. c 1400 Three Kings Cologne 45 In þis hille is founde a preciouse stone þat is cleped þere smaragdus; and þis stoon..is kitte out of þis hille. 1486 Bk. St. Albans, Her. a ij b, The secunde stone is cald Smaragdus, a grauely stone signifiyng vert in armys. 1553 Eden Treat. New Ind. (Arb.) 23 The precyous stone called Smaragdus (which is ye true Emerode). 1592 Lodge Euphues Shadow B iij, Who so liueth in Passan, must beare the stone Smaragdus with the Griphon against the stinging of Serpents. 1681 Grew Musæum iii. i. iv. 287 The Smaragdus, growing together with a pale Amethyst in one Matrix. 1748 J. Hill Hist. Fossils 596 The Gem, call'd by the antients Smaragdus, or the Emerald, was evidently the same with that we now know by that name. 1875 Emerson Lett. & Soc. Aims viii. 196 Color, taste, and smell, smaragdus, sugar, and musk. |