head stone

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stone placed at the head of a grave: A "head stone" is a slab or monument, often inscribed, that marks the location of a burial site, typically positioned at the top end of the grave where the deceased's head lies.
   • A cornerstone or foundation stone: In architecture or construction, a "head stone" can refer to a principal stone in a structure, especially one that forms the base or a key part of a building's foundation.

Usage Examples

• As a grave marker:

  • The family chose a simple granite head stone for their grandfather's grave. (A stone marking the burial site at the head of the grave.)
  • The old cemetery had many weathered head stones with illegible inscriptions. (Monuments at grave heads that were worn down by time.)

• As a foundation stone:

  • The head stone of the ancient temple was laid with a ceremonial ritual. (The principal stone forming part of the structure's base.)

Advanced Usage

• "head stone" in a metaphorical sense: Sometimes used figuratively to denote a primary or foundational element.
  • This treaty is the head stone of the peace agreement between the two nations. (The key or foundational component of the agreement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Headstone (n): a single-word variant meaning the same as "head stone" (a grave marker).

  • The headstone was engraved with the dates of birth and death. (A stone monument at the head of a grave.)

• Keystone (n): a related term meaning the central stone at the top of an arch that locks it together; often used metaphorically for a crucial element.

  • The keystone in the arch held the entire structure in place. (The locking stone at the apex.)

Synonyms

• Gravestone: a stone marking a grave, often interchangeable with "head stone."
• Tombstone: a stone slab placed over a grave, usually inscribed.
• Monument: a structure erected to commemorate a person or event, including grave markers.
• Foundation stone: a principal stone at the base of a building.

Related Idioms

• "Set in stone": meaning fixed and unchangeable, often used with "head stone" in burial contexts.

  • The inscription on the head stone was set in stone, so it could not be altered. (Literally carved into the stone; figuratively, unchangeable.)

• "A stone's throw": a short distance, sometimes used in describing the placement of a head stone.

  • The head stone was placed a stone's throw from the old oak tree. (A short distance away.)

Usage Notes

• The term "head stone" is distinct from "footstone," which is a smaller stone placed at the foot of a grave. "Head stone" specifically refers to the marker at the head end.
• In modern usage, "headstone" (one word) is more common than "head stone" (two words), but both are accepted.