| pestle | n. [ OE. pestel, OF. pestel, LL. pestellum, L. pistillum, pistillus, a pounder, pestle, fr. pisere, pinsere, to pound, crush, akin to Gr. pti`ssein, Skr. pish. Cf. Pistil. ] 1. An implement for pounding and breaking or braying substances in a mortar; as, to grind with a mortar and pestle. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A constable's or bailiff's staff; -- so called from its shape. [ Obs. ] Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. The leg and leg bone of an animal, especially of a pig; as, a pestle of pork. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| pestle | v. t. & i. [ imp. & p. p. Pestled p. pr. & vb. n. Pestling ] To pound, pulverize, bray, or mix with a pestle, or as with a pestle; to use a pestle. [ 1913 Webster ] |
