Forms: 5–6 lamyn(e, 6–7 lamine, 6– lamin, 7– lamen. [Anglicized form of next. Cf. F. lamine.] A lamina; a thin plate or layer (of metal, etc.); a plate of metal used as an astrological instrument or as a charm.
1489. Caxton, Faytes of A., II. xxxv. 147. Thys engyn is called Towre. It behoueth hym to be couered that may with lamynes of yron lest fyre sholde be caste or sette therin.
1576. Baker, Jewell of Health, 42 b. Spreade that sediment on a Lamyne of Iron polyshed and burning, or redde hote.
1647. Lilly, Chr. Astrol., xcvii. 485. Without exact knowledge of the Astrologicall planetary hour, no worthy work can be done, with it wonders, either in collecting Hearbs, framing Sigils, Images, Lamens, &c.
1678. Phil. Trans., XII. 976. The cavities hereof [the Nose] are fill’d with many Cartilaginous Lamines distinct one from another.
1682. Phil. Collect., XII. No. 5. 159. The increase of the Oyster shell is caused by the addition of a new lamen or plate in the shell.
1783. W. F. Martyn, Geog. Mag., II. 508. An exfoliated circular lamen of the green part of the tree.
1816. Scott, Antiq., xxiii. You have used neither charm, lamen, sigil, talisman, spell, crystal, pentacle … nor geomantic figure.
1875. Blackmore, A. Lorraine, III. xxvii. 340. Its lustre and versatile radiance flow from innumerable lamins, united by fusion in the endless flux of years.
