stone of destiny
noun
A rectangular block of sandstone used in coronation ceremonies for the monarchs of (originally) Scotland, (subsequently) England, and (latterly) Great Britain.
- In the early medieval period Scottish monarchs were crowned on the stone near Scone Abbey; it was taken by Edward I to England in 1296 and used during the coronations of English monarchs, until the Scottish and English crowns were united in 1603; it was returned to Scotland in 1996..
Origin
Early 18th century.