ADJ.
elastic, trial
VERB + TOUCHSTONE
form
TOUCHSTONE + NOUN
beings, human
ADV.
also, only, rather
noun
A stone used to verify the quality of gold alloys by rubbing them in order to leave a visible trace.
A standard of comparison or evaluation.
Near-synonym: comparator
The foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone for the trial of spirits.
name
A surname.
Near-synonym: comparator
WiktionaryThe foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone for the trial of spirits.
Wiktionary"Expectation of life" is an elastic term: the touchstone here is rather the aggregate amount of work that the locomotive does during its working life.
WiktionaryThe forebearing use of power does not only form a touchstone, but the manner in which an individual uses it, is the test of a true gentleman.
Tatoeba · #7431777Do not praise anyone before you hear him speak, for that is the touchstone of human beings.
Tatoeba · #11086476i Register
In some senses, touchstone is marked as figuratively. Watch for register when choosing this word.