from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Jewel \Jew"el\ (j[=u]"[e^]l or j[udd]"[e^]l), n. [OE. juel,
jowel, OF. jouel, juel, joiel, F. joyau, dim. of OF. joie
joy, jewel, F. joie joy. See {Joy}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. An ornament of dress usually made of a precious metal, and
having enamel or precious stones as a part of its design.
[1913 Webster]
Plate of rare device, and jewels
Of rich and exquisite form. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. A precious stone; a gem. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. An object regarded with special affection; a precious
thing. "Our prince (jewel of children)." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
4. A bearing for a pivot a pivot in a watch, formed of a
crystal or precious stone, as a ruby.
[1913 Webster]
{Jewel block} (Naut.), block at the extremity of a yard,
through which the halyard of a studding sail is rove.
[1913 Webster]