'To give the whetstone' definitions:

Definition of 'To give the whetstone'

From: GCIDE
  • Whetstone \Whet"stone`\, n. [AS. hwetst[=a]n.] A piece of stone, natural or artificial, used for whetting, or sharpening, edge tools. [1913 Webster]
  • The dullness of the fools is the whetstone of the wits. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Diligence is to the understanding as the whetstone to the razor. --South. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: Some whetstones are used dry, others are moistened with water, or lubricated with oil. [1913 Webster]
  • To give the whetstone, to give a premium for extravagance in falsehood. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]