Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Compasses

Com′pass-es

Noun.

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.

☞ 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