Arkansas
(ˈɑːkənsɔː, also (outside U.S.) ɑːˈkænzəs)
[Name of a state of U.S.A.]
1. A fine-grain variety of novaculite found in Arkansas, U.S.A. Also, a whetstone made of this. In full Arkansas hone, Arkansas stone (see quots.).
| 1869 G. A. Rogers in Eng. Mechanic 22 Oct. 125 A sharp-edged Arkansas can be rubbed on the outside. 1875 Carpentry & Join. 34 We often find it a good plan to rub down a tool on a bit of Arkansas of coarse quality. 1885 Spon's Mechanic's Own Bk. 242 Oilstones.—These are of several kinds, the best known being the Charnley Forest, Turkey, Arkansas, and Washita brands. 1889 Cent. Dict. s.v. stone, Arkansas stone, a fine-grain whetstone found in Arkansas, and used to sharpen surgical and dental instruments. 1910 Encycl. Brit. XIII. 653/1 Of Arkansas stones there are two varieties... The finer kind, known as Arkansas hone, is obtained in small pieces at the hot springs. |
2. Arkansas toothpick: see toothpick 4.