a. [f. L. Lesbi-us, Gr. Λέσβιος + -AN.] Of or pertaining to the island of Lesbos, in the northern part of the Grecian archipelago. Lesbian rule: a mason’s rule made of lead, which could be bent to fit the curves of a molding (Aristotle Eth. Nic., V. x. 7); hence fig., a principle of judgment that is pliant and accommodating. (Very common in 17th c., but app. not always correctly understood.)
1601. S. Daniel, To Sir T. Egerton, 131. That Lesbian square, that building fit, Plies to the worke, not forc’th the worke to it.
1605. Timme, Quersit., II. ii. 111. The composition and wonderful nature thereof is, as it were, a certaine example and Lesbian rule of our worke.
1606. Sylvester, Du Bartas, II. iv. II. Magnif., 1117. Another, leveld by the Lesbian Squire Deep under ground (for the Foundation) joyns Well-polisht Marble.
a. 1628. Preston, New Covt. (1630), 233. Thou goest not by a straight rule, but by a leaden Lesbian rule.
1703. Rowe, Ulysses, II. i. 945. The Chian and the Lesbian Grape.
1711. W. King, trans. Naude’s Ref. Politics, v. 188. It [artificial, politic Justice] is soft and pliant enough to accommodate it self as the Lesbian Rule to human and popular Weakness.
1727–41. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Cymatium, Lesbian cymatium, according to Vitruvius, is what we otherwise call talon.
