Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CRU'CI-BLE, n. [It. crogiuolo, and crociuolo; Sp. crisol; Port. chrysol or crisol; Fr. creuset; D. kroes, smelt-kroes. It is from crux, a cross, as Lunier supposes, from the figure of the cross, formerly attached to it. But qu.]

1. A chimical vessel or melting pot, made of earth, and so tempered and baked, as to endure extreme heat without melting. It is used for melting ores, metals, &c.
2. A hollow place at the bottom of a chimical furnace. – Fourcroy.