compass saw

noun

, Carpentry.

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

compass saw

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of compass saw¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

The keyhole-saw, which is even smaller than the compass-saw, is used for cutting quicker curves, as for a keyhole.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The compass-saw shown at Fig. 107 is used for general purposes, but is not so necessary as the back saw.

From Project Gutenberg