Hypertext Webster Gateway: "compasses"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
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.
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}.
{Bow compasses}. See {Bow-compass}.
{Caliber compasses}, {Caliper compasses}. See {Calipers}.
{Proportional}, {Triangular}, etc., {compasses}. See under
{Proportional}, etc.
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