Obs. [a. L. āetītēs, a. Gr. ἀετῑτης prop. adj. ‘of the eagle, aquiline,’ subst. ‘eagle stone.’] The eagle-stone; a hollow nodule or pebble of argillaceous oxide of iron, having a loose nucleus, which derived its name from being fabled to be found in the eagle’s nest, and to which medicinal and magical properties were ascribed.
1579. Lyly, Euphues (1636), F 9. The precious stone Ætites which is found in the filthy nests of the Eagle.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 154. The Ætites or Eagles Stone, which hath a little Stone within it.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v., Dr. Woodward places the distinguishing characteristic of the ætites, in that it consists of several crusts, which have in them a cavity with matter in it, loose and moveable.
1862. Reader, 8 July, 33. Another stone, the Aetites, possessed the singular property … of detecting theft.
