ASPERSIVE
As*pers"ive, a.
Defn: Tending to asperse; defamatory; slanderous.
— As*pers"ive*ly, adv.
ASPERSOIR
As`per`soir", n. Etym: [F.]
Defn: An aspergill.
ASPERSORIUM
As`per*so"ri*um, n.; pl. Aspplwsoria. Etym: [LL. See Asperse.]
1. The stoup, basin, or other vessel for holy water in Roman Catholic churches.
2. A brush for sprinkling holy water; an aspergill.
ASPHALT; ASPHALTUM
As"phalt, As*phal"tum, n. Etym: [Gr. asphalte.]
1. Mineral pitch, Jews' pitch, or compact native bitumen. It is brittle, of a black or brown color and high luster on a surface of fracture; it melts and burns when heated, leaving no residue. It occurs on the surface and shores of the Dead Sea, which is therefore called Asphaltites, or the Asphaltic Lake. It is found also in many parts of Asia, Europe, and America. See Bitumen.
2. A composition of bitumen, pitch, lime, and gravel, used for forming pavements, and as a water-proof cement for bridges, roofs, etc.; asphaltic cement. Artificial asphalt is prepared from coal tar, lime, sand, etc. Asphalt stone, Asphalt rock, a limestone found impregnated with asphalt.