compass saw

American

noun

Carpentry.

a small handsaw with a narrow, tapering blade for cutting curves of small radii; whipsaw.

compass saw British

noun

a hand saw with a narrow tapered blade for making a curved cut

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of compass saw

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bore holes in the corners of the doors and windows and saw out with keyhole or compass saw.

From Primary Handwork by Dobbs, Ella Victoria

Figure 48.—18th century: The handle of the compass saw, characteristically Dutch in shape, is an outstanding example of a recurring functional design, one which varied according to the hand of the sawer.

From Woodworking Tools 1600-1900 by Welsh, Peter C.

Cut out the ends with a compass saw.

From Mission Furniture How to Make It, Part 3 by Windsor, H. H. (Henry Haven)

When hardwood is being turned it is sometimes advisable to saw the block almost round with a compass saw or bandsaw, if one is to be had.

From A Course In Wood Turning by Milton, Archie S.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023