escapement
[ ih-skeyp-muhnt ]
/ ɪˈskeɪp mənt /
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noun
Horology. the portion of a watch or clock that measures beats and controls the speed of the going train.Compare anchor escapement, deadbeat (def. 4), lever escapement.
a mechanism for regulating the motion of a typewriter carriage, consisting of pawls and a toothed wheel or rack.
a mechanism in a piano that causes a hammer to fall back into rest position immediately after striking a string.
an act of escaping.
Archaic. a way of escape; outlet.
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for escapement
escapement
/ (ɪˈskeɪpmənt) /
noun
horology a mechanism consisting of an escape wheel and anchor, used in timepieces to provide periodic impulses to the pendulum or balance
any similar mechanism that regulates movement, usually consisting of toothed wheels engaged by rocking levers
(in a piano) the mechanism that allows the hammer to clear the string after striking, so that the string can vibrate
an overflow channel
rare an act or means of escaping
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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