Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BI-TU'MI-NOUS, a.

Having the qualities of bitumen; compounded with bitumen; containing bitumen. – Milton. Bituminous limestone, is of a lamellar structure, susceptible of polish, of a brown or black color, and when rubbed, emitting an unpleasant smell. That of Dalmatia is so charged with bitumen, that it may be cut like soap. – Ure.