Brewer's: O'pal

From the Greek ops (the eye). Considered unlucky for the same reason that peacocks' feathers in a house are said to be unlucky. A peacock's feather, being full of eyes, act as spies in a house, prying into one's privacy. Similarly, it is unlucky to introduce the eye-stone or opal into a house, because it will interfere with the sanctity of domestic privacy. (See Ceraunium).

Not an opal Wrapped in a bay-leaf in my left fist, To charm their eyes with.

BenJonson: New Inn, i. 6.

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