lewis
lewis Lexical Profile
lewis Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Scottish The northern and largest part of the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides) in Scotland, formally known as the Isle of Lewis, noted for its rugged landscapes and historical standing stones.
"She traveled to Lewis to study traditional Gaelic culture and explore the ancient standing stones of Callanish."
A type of light machine gun extensively used by British and American forces during World War I, distinguished by its wide cooling shroud and top-mounted pan magazine.
"The museum's military history exhibit featured a fully restored Lewis from the First World War."
An iron assembly consisting of wedged pieces that fit into a dovetailed recess cut into a heavy stone block, used for attaching a hoisting rope or chain to lift it.
"The stonemason carefully inserted the lewis into the granite block so the crane could safely hoist it to the top of the cathedral wall."
• Rhymes for lewis
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 14th century, originally a stonemason's term. Its origin is uncertain, but it may derive from Old French 'louve' (a sling or device for lifting stones) or Latin 'lupus' (wolf), a term historically applied by engineers to various grappling or gripping tools.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.