Note: Crystals of tourmaline when heated exhibit electric polarity (see Pyroelectric, n.). Tourmaline is also used in the form of a polariscope called tourmaline tongs.
TOURN
Tourn, n. Etym: [See Turn]
1. A spinning wheel. [Prov. Eng.]
2. (O.Eng.Law)
Defn: The sheriff's turn, or court.
TOURNAMENT
Tour"na*ment, n. Etym: [OE. turnement, tornement, OF. torneiement,
tornoiement, F. tournoiement a turning or wheeling round. See
Tourney.]
1. A mock fight, or warlike game, formerly in great favor, in which a number of combatants were engaged, as an exhibition of their address and bravery; hence, figuratively, a real battle. "In battle and in tourneyment." Chaucer. With cruel tournament the squadrons join. Milton.
Note: It different from the joust, which was a trial of skill between one man and another.
2. Any contest of skill in which there are many contestents for championship; as, a chess tournament.
TOURNERY
Tourn"er*y, n.