Holystone

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈhəʊl.ɪ.stəʊn/
• US IPA: /ˈhoÊŠl.i.stoÊŠn/

Origin

Uncertain, but likely from the fact that scrubbing is done while down on one's knees, just as in prayer.

Full definition of holystone

Noun

1. (nautical) A block of soft sandstone used for scrubbing the wooden decks of a ship, usually with sand and seawater; sometimes called a bible.

Usage notes

Smaller blocks for awkward places are prayer books.

Verb

1. (transitive) To scrub the decks with a holystone.
• 1911: Ambrose Bierce, (under Sabbath)Six days shalt thou labor and do all that thou art able,
  And on the seventh holystone the deck and scrape the cable.