What is "lapidaries"

Lapidary \Lap"i*da*ry\, n.; pl. Lapidaries. [L. lapidarius, fr. lapidarius pertaining to stone: cf. F. lapidaire.]

1. An artificer who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones; hence, a dealer in precious stones.

2. A virtuoso skilled in gems or precious stones; a connoisseur of lapidary work.

   Lapidary's lathe, Lapidary's mill, Lapidary's wheel, a machine consisting essentially of a revolving lap on a vertical spindle, used by a lapidary for grinding and polishing.

n. (plural of lapidary English)