ˈstar-shot
In 7 -shoot, -shut.
[shot n.1 With sense 1 cf. WFris. stjerreskot, MDu. sterrenschot (Kilian), Du. sterreschot, Sw. stjärnskott, Da. stjerneskud. Gawin Douglas (1513) has ‘sterne schot’ = shooting star: see stern n.2]
1. A popular name for nostoc, which is supposed to fall from the stars, or to be the remains of a shooting star. ? Obs. (For other names see star n.1 22 b.)
| 1653 Goughe's Queen i. B 3 b, Why, look, look ye, we are all made, or let me be stew'd in Star-shut. 1661 Boyle Cert. Physiol. Ess. (1669) 175 That jelly that is sometimes found on the ground, and by the Vulgar call'd a Star-shoot, as if it remain'd upon the extinction of a falling Star. 1701–2 Star Shot Gelly [see nostoc]. 1768 Pennant Brit. Zool. II. 424. 1804 T. Bewick Brit. Birds II. 211. 1866 J. E. Brogden Prov. Lincs. |
† 2. A kind of chain-shot. Obs.
| 1769 Falconer Dict. Marine (1789) Mm 2 [described]. |