Observatories

1 definition found

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

  Observatory \Ob*serv"a*to*ry\, n.; pl. {Observatories}. [Cf. F.
     observatoire.]
     1. A place or building for making observations on the
        heavenly bodies.
        [1913 Webster]
  


              The new observatory in Greenwich Park. --Evelyn.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A building fitted with instruments for making systematic
        observations of any particular class or series of natural
        phenomena.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A place, as an elevated chamber, from which a view may be
        observed or commanded.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. (Mil.) A lookout on a flank of a battery whence an officer
        can note the range and effect of the fire; usually
        referred to as an {observation post}. --Farrow.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]