A*gate" (&?;), adv. [Pref. a- on +
gate way.] On the way; agoing; as, to be agate; to set
the bells agate. [Obs.] Cotgrave.
Ag"ate (&?;), n. [F. agate, It.
agata, L. achates, fr. Gr. &?;.] 1.
(Min.) A semipellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz,
presenting various tints in the same specimen. Its colors are delicately
arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds.
&fist; The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss
agate, the clouded agate, etc., are familiar varieties.
2. (Print.) A kind of type, larger than
pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby.
&fist; This line is printed in the type called agate.
3. A diminutive person; so called in allusion to
the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. [Obs.]
Shak.
4. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders,
etc.; -- so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.
