Dictionary definitions
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agate
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Agate \A*gate"\, adv. [Pref. a- on + gate way.] On the way; agoing; as, to be agate; to set the bells agate. [Obs.] --Cotgrave. [1913 Webster] .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Agate \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.
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Note: The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss
agate, the clouded agate, etc., are familiar varieties.
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2. (Print.) A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller
than nonpareil; in England called ruby.
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3. A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small
figures cut in agate for rings and seals. [Obs.] --Shak.
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4. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; -- so
called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Chalcedony \Chal*ced"o*ny\ (k[a^]l*s[e^]d"[-o]*n[y^] or k[a^]l"s[-e]*d[-o]*n[y^]; 277), n.; pl. Chalcedonies (-n[i^]z). [ L. chalcedonius, fr. Gr. CHalkhdw`n Chalcedon, a town in Asia Minor, opposite to Byzantium: cf. calc['e]doine, OE. calcidoine, casidoyne. Cf. Cassidony.] (Min.) A cryptocrystalline, translucent variety of quartz, having usually a whitish color, and a luster nearly like wax. [Written also calcedony.] [1913 Webster] Note: When chalcedony is variegated with with spots or figures, or arranged in differently colored layers, it is called agate; and if by reason of the thickness, color, and arrangement of the layers it is suitable for being carved into cameos, it is called onyx. Chrysoprase is green chalcedony; carnelian, a flesh red, and sard, a brownish red variety. [1913 Webster]

