transit instrument

American  

noun

1. Astronomy. meridian circle.

2. Surveying. transit.

---

transit instrument British  

noun

1. an astronomical instrument, mounted on an E-W axis, in which the reticle of a telescope is always in the plane of the meridian. It is used to time the transit of a star, etc, across the meridian

---

Etymology

Origin of transit instrument

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

The planetarium's dome will float over a reflecting pool, will house an "intermediate space transit instrument" which will project the heavens not only as they appear on earth but from the moon.

From Time Magazine Archive

There are three instruments; an excellent transit instrument of six and a half inches' aperture, resting on its y's of solid granite.

From Maria Mitchell: Life, Letters, and Journals by Mitchell, Maria

In 1721 he got a transit instrument, and in 1726 a mural quadrant by Graham.

From History of Astronomy by Forbes, George

The first plan is that of the "transit instrument," the second that of the "equatoreal."

From A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition by Clerke, Agnes M. (Agnes Mary)

We ran the base line up through Kanab and at the head of it pitched a small observatory tent over a stone foundation on which Prof, set up a large transit instrument for stellar observations.

From A Canyon Voyage The Narrative of the Second Powell Expedition down the Green-Colorado River from Wyoming, and the Explorations on Land, in the Years 1871 and 1872 by Dellenbaugh, Frederick Samuel