Holystone
WordNet
noun
(1) A soft sandstone used for scrubbing the decks of a ship
verb
(2) Scrub with a holystone
"Holystone the ship's deck"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
Uncertain, but likely from the fact the scrubbing is done while down on one's knees, just as in prayer.
Noun
- A block of soft sandstone used for scrubbing the wooden decks of a ship, usually with sand and seawater; sometimes called a bible.
Verb
- To scrub the decks with a holystone.
- 1911: Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (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.
- Six days shalt thou labor and do all that thou art able,
- 1911: Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (under Sabbath)