lapidary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an expert on precious stones and the art of cutting and engraving them
    lapidarist.
  2. noun a skilled worker who cuts and engraves precious stones
    lapidist.
  3. adjective of or relating to precious stones or the art of working with them
    • the ring is of no lapidary value"- Lord Byron
    • lapidary art

WordNet

Lap"i*da*ry noun
Etymology
L. lapidarius, fr. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.
Wordforms
plural Lapidaries
Definitions
  1. An artificer who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones; hence, a dealer in precious stones.
  2. A virtuoso skilled in gems or precious stones; a connoisseur of lapidary work.
Lap"i*da*ry adjective
Etymology
L. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the art of cutting stones, or engraving on stones, either gems or monuments; as, lapidary ornamentation.
  2. Of or pertaining to monumental inscriptions; as, lapidary adulation.

Webster 1913