foliot

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈfəʊliət/

Noun

foliot (plural foliots)

  1. Part of the verge escapement in early clocks.
  2. A creature from Italian folklore that makes noises and flings objects about.
    • 1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Printed by John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC:
      Terrestrial devils are those lares, genii, faunes, satyrs, wood-nymphs, foliots, fairies […]
This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.