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

compasses \com"passes\, 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
see also:
dividers bow compasses bow-compass caliber compasses caliper compasses calipers 
proportional triangular compasses 

Compasses >> C Words
Compasses, definition of term: Compasses
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