Found 2 items, similar to touchstone.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: touchstone touchstone n : a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated; “they set the measure for all subsequent work” [syn: standard, criterion, measure]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Touchstone Touchstone \Touch"stone`\, n. 1. (Min.) Lydian stone; basanite; -- so called because used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak which is left upon the stone when it is rubbed by the metal. See Basanite. [1913 Webster] 2. Fig.: Any test or criterion by which the qualities of a thing are tried. --Hooker. [1913 Webster] The foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone for the trial of spirits. --South. [1913 Webster] Irish touchstone (Min.), basalt, the stone which composes the Giant's Causeway. [1913 Webster]