weather molding (weTHer molding)

Same as dripstone, 1. weathermost (weTH'er-mōst), a. superl. [ 2. Anything in nature which serves as an indicator of weather changes, as a bird whose regular periodicity of migration or suddenne of appearance may indicate meteorological changes inappreciable by man. Swallows have long been held for weather - prophets , and with reason enough in the quick response of their organization to the influence of atmospheric changes. Coues, Birds of the Colorado Valley (1878), I. 372. 3. A device for foretelling changes in the weather. In most forms materials are employed which are so affected by dampne as to move some indicator, as a pair of figures, of which one appears or advances in dry and the other in wet weather. Other forms employ materials which change color according to the state of the atmosphere. Compare weather - box .