Compasses

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Compasses \Com"pass*es\, n., pl.
     An instrument for describing circles, measuring figures,
     etc., consisting of two, or (rarely) more, pointed branches,
     or legs, usually joined at the top by a rivet on which they
     move.
     [1913 Webster]


  
     Note: The compasses for drawing circles have adjustable pen
           points, pencil points, etc.; those used for measuring
           without adjustable points are generally called
           dividers. See {Dividers}.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     {Bow compasses}. See {Bow-compass}.
  
     {Caliber compasses}, {Caliper compasses}. See {Calipers}.
  
     {Proportional}, {Triangular}, etc., {compasses}. See under
        {Proportional}, etc.
        [1913 Webster]