Compasses

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CIDE DICTIONARY

Compasses, n.

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]

" 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.

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