Grind"stone` (?), n.

A flat, circular stone, revolving on an axle, for grinding or sharpening tools, or shaping or smoothing objects.

To hold, pat, ∨ bring one's nose to the grindstone, to oppress one; to keep one in a condition of servitude.

They might be ashamed, for lack of courage, to suffer the Lacedaemonians to hold their noses to the grindstone. Sir T. North.

 

© Webster 1913.