pestle
Noun · VerbOpen English WordNet
Noun (3)
- machine consisting of a heavy bar that moves vertically for pounding or crushing oresSynonyms: stampType of machinePart of battery, stamp battery
- a heavy tool of stone or iron (usually with a flat base and a handle) that is used to grind and mix material (as grain or drugs or pigments) against a slab of stoneSynonyms: mullerpounderType of tool
- a club-shaped hand tool for grinding and mixing substances in a mortarType of hand tool
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pedanticadjective
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
pes′tle (pĕs′t'l or pĕs′'l; 277), noun
Origin: OE. pestel, OF. pestel, LL. pestellum, L. pistillum, pistillus, a pounder, pestle, fr. pisere, pinsere, to pound, crush, akin to Gr. πτίσσειν, Skr. pish. Cf. Pistil.
1. An implement for pounding and breaking or braying substances in a mortar; as, to grind with a mortar and pestle.
2. A constable's or bailiff's staff; — so called from its shape. obsolete George Chapman
3. The leg and leg bone of an animal, especially of a pig; as, a pestle of pork.
pes′tle transitive & intransitive verb [past tense & past participle Pestled; present participle & verbal noun Pestling.]
To pound, pulverize, bray, or mix with a pestle, or as with a pestle; to use a pestle.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54