rough-hewing

When the imperative necessity of harmonious expression became apparent, the young artist laid aside his chisel and mallet, and the Arabian desert knew his footsteps no more for many days after the rough-hewing of Athor's face.

The Yoke A Romance of the Days when the Lord Redeemed the Children of Israel from the Bondage of Egypt Elizabeth Miller

The powers of nature are now otherwise employed than in rough-hewing the surface of the globe.

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 55, No. 341, March, 1844 Various

Out of their religious freedom, such as it was, they were rough-hewing the ground-sills of a free state: for religion and politics always play into each other's hands, and the constitution is the child of the catechism.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 13, No. 78, April, 1864 Various

Bent though he was in rough-hewing his way according to his desire, Providence was surely shaping for him an end other than he planned.

Fletcher of Madeley Brigadier Margaret Allen

After all, it is ridiculous wasting so much time and energy in rough-hewing our ends, when the shaping lies with other hands than ours.

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

While I was rough-hewing the block, I made a model.

The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini Cellini, Benvenuto, 1500-1571 1910

While I was rough-hewing the block, I made a model.

LXXII 1909

"We've got to have all sorts to make a nation, and he's the kind of machine that does the rough-hewing," he said.

Elizabeth Visits America Elinor Glyn 1903

Not lightly do I say it, for I have known the toil of rough-hewing it on the pioneer line that turns men’s hair gray; but I have seen also the reward of the toil.

XVI. Reform by Humane Touch 1902

Then, after further instructions, Noah begins to work before the spectators, first rough-hewing a plank, then trying it with a line, and joining it with a gynn or gin.

"Everyman," with other interludes, including eight miracle plays Anonymous 1902