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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)