‖ ˈnicolo
Also niccolo.
[ad. It. niccolo, aphetic for *oniccolo, a diminutive from L. onyx.]
(See quot. 1874.)
| 1874 H. M. Westropp Man. Prec. Stones 104 The variety of onyx known as nicolo, consisting of a layer of a bluish tint over black. 1894 Church in Smiles Life Wedgwood xiv. 152 Antique gems cut in onyx and niccolo. 1899 Daily News 29 June 6/7 An antique gem representing a bust..of Omphale, cut in a double nicolo. |
| attrib. 1877 W. Jones Finger-ring 23 One very massive [ring] of silver and gold, set with intaglio on nicolo onyx. 1899 Daily News 29 June 6/7 A nicolo-sardonyx with a fine head of Commodius in a cameo. |