a.; also 7 -in. [ad. L. asbestinus, a. Gr. ἀσβέστινος, sb. f. ἄσβεστος: see -INE.] Of, pertaining to, or having the properties of, asbestos; not liable to take fire, incombustible.
1627. Feltham, Resolves, II. lvii. (1677), 278. A good man like an Asbestine Garment … when foul, is clensed by burning.
1665. Phil. Trans., I. 116. An Asbestin Paper, that shall last perpetually.
1836–9. Todd, Cycl. Anat. & Phys., II. 38/2. With a fine silky or asbestine lustre.
b. fig.
1828. Landor, Imag. Conv. (1846), I. 204. The asbestine quality of my mind.
1855. Bailey, Mystic, etc., 134. They, their asbestine expurgation passed … Thrice recreate, shall rise.
