E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
White Stone (Rev. ii. 17).
To him that overcometh will I give . . a white stone; and in the stone a new name [is] written which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it [i.e. the stone]. In primitive times, when travelling was difficult for want of places of public accommodation, hospitality was exercised by private individuals to a great extent. When the guest left, the host gave him a small white stone cut in two; on one half the host wrote his name, and on the other the guest; the host gave the guest the half containing his [host’s] name, and vice versâ. This was done that the guest at some future time might return the favour, if needed. Our text says, “I will give him to eat of the hidden manna”—i.e. I will feed or entertain him well, and I will keep my friendship, sacred, inviolable, and known only to himself.
