Etymology From Middle English pibel (also in pibleston), from Old English papolstān (“pebble-stone”), from Old English *papol, *pyppel, *pæbbel of unknown origin + Old English stān. Compare Albanian popël.
1
A small stone, especially one rounded by the action of water.
Then let the pebbles on the hungry beach Fillip the stars;c. 1608–1609 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Coriolanus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iii]:
And trifles for choice matters, worth a sponge; As children gathering pebbles on the shore.1671, John Milton, “The First Book”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC, page 4:
2
Geography, Geology, Natural sciences A particle from 4 to 64 mm in diameter, following the Wentworth scale.
3
Ball games, Curling, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports A small droplet of water intentionally sprayed on the ice that cause irregularities on the surface.
4
Transparent and colourless rock crystal.
Brazilian pebble
5
A form of slow-burning gunpowder in large cubical grains.
You ain't got your Glock for the summer / And you ain't gonna pop for your gunner / You ain't in the whip with them pebbles (Nah) / You ain't on the strip with the rebels (Nah)2019 February 22, Giggs, “You Ain't…” (track 13), in Big Bad…, performed by Giggs:
Etymology From Middle English pibel (also in pibleston), from Old English papolstān (“pebble-stone”), from Old English *papol, *pyppel, *pæbbel of unknown origin + Old English stān. Compare Albanian popël.