touchstone Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
    measure; criterion; standard.
    • the schools comply with federal standards
    • they set the measure for all subsequent work

WordNet

Touch"stone` noun
Definitions
  1. (Min.) Lydian stone; basanite; -- so called because used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak which is left upon the stone when it is rubbed by the metal. See Basanite.
  2. Fig.: Any test or criterion by which the qualities of a thing are tried. Hooker.
    The foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone for the trial of spirits. South.

Webster 1913