quintant

[ kwin-tnt ]

noun

, Navigation.

1. a sextant having an arc equal to one fifth of a circle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quintant¹

1675–85; quint- (< Latin quīntus fifth ) + -ant (as in quadrant )

Example Sentences

My quintant was first wrested from my coxswain, who in a tone of grief made me known the circumstance.

From Project Gutenberg

The flat bar which carries the nonius scale and index-glass of a quadrant, octant, quintant, or sextant.

From Project Gutenberg

An instrument used instead of a sextant, quintant, or quadrant; but the quintant embraces as much—viz.

From Project Gutenberg