Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Ethiops \E"thi*ops\n. [NL. See {Ethiop}.] (Old Chem.)
A black substance; -- formerly applied to various
preparations of a black or very dark color. [Written also
{[AE]thiops}.] [Obs.]
{Ethiops martial} (Old Chem.), black oxide of iron.
{Ethiops mineral} (Old Chem.), black sulphide of mercury,
obtained by triturating mercury with sulphur.
{Ethiops per se} (Old Chem.), mercury in finely divided
state, having the appearance of a dark powder, obtained by
shaking it up or by exposure to the air.