Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Fossil \Fos"sil\, a. [L. fossilis, fr. fodere to dig: cf. F.
   fossile. See {Fosse}.]
   1. Dug out of the earth; as, fossil coal; fossil salt.

   2. (Paleon.) Like or pertaining to fossils; contained in
      rocks, whether petrified or not; as, fossil plants,
      shells.

   {Fossil copal}, a resinous substance, first found in the blue
      clay at Highgate, near London, and apparently a vegetable
      resin, partly changed by remaining in the earth.

   {Fossil cork}, {flax}, {paper}, or {wood}, varieties of
      amianthus.

   {Fossil farina}, a soft carbonate of lime.

   {Fossil ore}, fossiliferous red hematite. --Raymond.