blarney stone
NounSynonyms:
Blarney Stone
WordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- a stone in a castle in Ireland that is said to impart skill in flattery to anyone who kisses itSynonyms: Blarney Stone
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
blarney \blar"ney\ (bl[aum]r"n[y^]), n. [Blarney, a village and castle near Cork in Ireland.] Smooth, wheedling talk; flattery. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
Blarney stone, a stone in Blarney castle, Ireland (built in 1446), said to make those who kiss it proficient in the use of blarney.
Note: The origin of the stone is uncertain. In order to kiss the Blarney stone, which is located in the side of the castle, one must be held upside-down by the feet and lowered into the proper position from an opening in an overhang in the parapet. It is an experience eschewed by some tourists. [1913 Webster +PJC]