pair of compasses

American  

noun

1. compass

---

Etymology

Origin of pair of compasses

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

To compare a pair of compasses to the souls of lovers, however, would be wordy trickery too far.

From Nature • Aug. 28, 2013

To trace the life circle which began and ended at Huatabampo would strain an epic pair of compasses.

From Time Magazine Archive

“I knows him!” and, after a few convulsive efforts, the red legs took the shape of a pair of compasses, and the intelligent pupil triumphantly shouted, “It’s a We, Dranpa, it’s a We!”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Two lovely angels' heads mutually o'ershadowed by each other's little wings; holding in brotherly affection within a wreath of roses, a pair of compasses, the sign of the masons.

From Klytia A Story of Heidelberg Castle by Hausrath, Adolf

Fix one point of a pair of compasses at B, and with the distance B 0 sweep a circle:—all the images will be ranged upon the circumference of this circle.

From The Glaciers of the Alps Being a narrative of excursions and ascents, etc. by Tyndall, John