hercynite

[From Sylva Hercynia , the Roman name of the Bohemian forest where it occurs; Ger hercynit.] Min.: A variety of Spinel, sometimes called Iron Spinel. ( Brit . Mus . Cat .) It is an isometric mineral with a green streak and a vitreous luster; its hardne , 75-8; specific gravity, 3-91-3-95. Composition: Alumina, 589; oxide of iron, 41'1=100. Dana makes it an independent species. herd (1), *heerde, *heorde, s . [A. S. heord, herd , hyrd =(1) care, custody; (2) a herd, a flock; (3) a family; cogn, with Icel. hjördh ; Dan. hiord ; Sw. hjord ; Ger. heerde ; Goth. hairda .] 1. Lit.: A flock or number of beasts or cattle feeding or driven together; generally applied to the larger animals. "Colts, such as were then bred in great herds on the marshes of Somersets hire." -Macaulay : Hist . Eng ., ch. v. 2. Fig .: A crowd, number, or company of people; a rabble; used in contempt. "Are these your herd Must these have voices, that can yield them now?" Shakesp.: Coriolanus, iii. 1.