millstone Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (figurative) something that hinders or handicaps
    albatross.
    • she was an albatross around his neck
  2. noun any load that is difficult to carry
  3. noun one of a pair of heavy flat disk-shaped stones that are rotated against one another to grind the grain

WordNet


Mill"stone` noun
Definitions
  1. One of two circular stones used for grinding grain or other substance.
    No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge. Deut. xxiv. 6.
    ✍ The cellular siliceous rock called buhrstone is usually employed for millstones; also, some kinds of lava, as that Niedermendig, or other firm rock with rough texture. The surface of a millstone has usually a series of radial grooves in which the powdered material collects.

Webster 1913