gem

Definition

A precious stone, usually of substantial monetary value or prized for its beauty or shine.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English gemme, gimme, yimme, ȝimme, from Old English ġimm, from Proto-West Germanic *gimmu (“gem”) and Old French gemme (“gem”), both from Latin gemma (“a swelling bud; jewel, gem”). Doublet of gemma and Gemma.

Example Sentences

• "And on her head she wore a tyre of gold, Adornd with gemmes and owches wondrous fayre, Whose passing price vneath was to be told;"
• "Of six preceding ancestors, that gem, Conferr’d by testament to the sequent issue, Hath it been owed and worn. This is his wife; That ring’s a thousand proofs."
• "[…] then silent Night With this her solemn Bird and this fair Moon, And these the Gemms of Heav’n, her starrie train:"