The Definition of the word Mill

Mill

For grinding corn, mentioned as used in the time of Abraham (Gen. 18:6). That used by the Hebrews consisted of two circular "stones, each 2 feet in diameter and half a foot thick, the lower" "of which was called the "nether millstone" (Job 41:24) and the" "upper the "rider." The upper stone was turned round by a stick" "fixed in it as a handle. There were then no public mills, and" thus each family required to be provided with a hand-mill. The "corn was ground daily, generally by the women of the house (Isa." "47:1, 2; Matt. 24:41). It was with the upper stone of a" "hand-mill that "a certain woman" at Thebez broke Abimelech's" "skull (Judg. 9:53, "a piece of a millstone;" literally, "a" "millstone rider", i.e., the "runner," the stone which revolves." Comp. 2 Sam. 11:21). Millstones could not be pledged (Deut. "24:6), as they were necessary in every family."