Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Agate?

\A*gate"\, adv. [Pref. a- on + gate way.] On the way; agoing; as, to be agate; to set the bells agate. [Obs.] --Cotgrave.
\Ag"ate\, n. [F. agate, It. agata, L. achates, fr. Gr. ?.] 1. (Min.) A semipellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen. Its colors are delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds. Note: The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss agate, the clouded agate, etc., are familiar varieties. 2. (Print.) A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby. Note: This line is printed in the type called agate. 3. A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. [Obs.] --Shak. 4. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; -- so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.