grindstone

3 definitions found

grindstone - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Grindstone \Grind"stone`\, n.
     A flat, circular stone, revolving on an axle, for grinding or
     sharpening tools, or shaping or smoothing objects.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     To hold one's nose to the grindstone, To bring one's nose to the grindstone
     , to oppress one; to keep one in a
        condition of servitude.
  
     To put one's nose to the grindstone
     (a) to oppress one; to cause one to work hard and steadily.
     (b) to set oneself to a long and arduous task.
  
     To keep one's nose to the grindstone to continue at a long
        and arduous task; to apply oneself steadily to one's
        duties.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
              They might be ashamed, for lack of courage, to
              suffer the Laced[ae]monians to hold their noses to
              the grindstone.                       --Sir T.
                                                    North.
        [1913 Webster]

grindstone - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  grindstone
      n 1: a revolving stone shaped like a disk; used to grind or
           sharpen or polish edge tools

grindstone - U.S. Gazetteer (1990) :

  Grindstone, PA
    Zip code(s): 15442