Middle English Dictionary Entry
lapis lazuli n.
Entry Info
| Forms | lapis lazuli n. Also lapus- & -lasuli. |
| Etymology | ML & OF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. lasulus & lazurium.
1.
The semiprecious stone lapis lazuli; also, powdered lapis lazuli used in medicines and as a coloring agent; poudre of ~.
Associated quotations
- a1425 *Trev.Barth.(Mrg M 875)213a/a : Zyneth is a ston oþer a veyne of þe erþe wherof lapis lazuli is made..Þe more liker þis ston is to þe colour of heuen, þe better it is & haþ smale gobetes, as it were of golde, medlid þeron.
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)160b/a : Medicinez euacuatiuez of melancoly..lapis lazuli.
- ?a1425 *MS Htrn.95 (Htrn 95)154a/a : Þe whiche is aproperd to þis euyl and wiþ diasene scharped wiþ lapis lazuli, oþer wiþ a litil of blak eleber.
- ?a1425 *MS Htrn.95 (Htrn 95)196a/a : Lapis lazuli is a blew stone þat azoure is maad off, & is colde & drye in kynde.
- a1475 Bk.Quint.(Sln 73)18/3 : These maner of men þat ben þus turmentid, as weel by passioun of malencoly as of deuelis..þe perfiȝt cure of all þese is..brennynge watir..wherinne be putt..poudre of lapis lasuly.
- (a1475) Recipe Painting(2) in Archaeol.J.1 (Sln 73)155 : For to make fyn azure withoute past. Take and grynde salarmonyak..and thanne take lapis lazuli, the ston al hol, and make it reed hoot in the fire, and al hot qwenche it in the water, and lat it reste awhile therynne, and it schal be smal and fyn of colour..if thu schalt bye eny manere of lapis lazuly..if thu assay it first er than thu bye it..Tak a ston therof, and make it reed hoot..if he turne eny thing blak liche syndre..triste wel that it is not lapus lazuly, but it is lapis almanie, of whiche men maken a blewe bize azure.