Grind"stone` (?), n.
A flat, circular stone, revolving on an axle, for grinding or sharpening tools, or shaping or smoothing objects.
To hold, pat, ∨ bring one's nose to the grindstone, to oppress one; to keep one in a condition of servitude.
They might be ashamed, for lack of courage, to suffer the Lacedaemonians to hold their noses to the grindstone.
Sir T. North.
© Webster 1913.