try square

American  

noun

1. a device for testing the squareness of carpentry work or the like, or for laying out right angles, consisting of a pair of straightedges fixed at right angles to one another.

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try square British  

noun

1. a device for testing or laying out right angles, usually consisting of a metal blade fixed at right angles to a wooden handle

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Etymology

Origin of try square

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

try square

Then plane the other two sides at right angles, so as to produce a square rod, which, at every part throughout its length, should fit the try square.

From Hand-Craft The Most Reliable Basis of Technical Education in Schools and Classes by Sutcliffe, John D.

Transfer these lines down the edges by the aid of the try square.

From The Library of Work and Play: Gardening and Farming. by Shaw, Ellen Eddy

Potts, Milwaukee, Wis.—This invention relates to a new and useful improvement in a tool for mechanics' use and consists in combining with a try square, a spirit level and a surface gage.

From Scientific American, Volume 22, No. 1, January 1, 1870 A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures. by Various

Gauging.—After squaring all the shoulder lines round the timber with the knife and try square, the mortise gauge should be set so as to strike the two gauge lines marked G, Figs.

From Woodwork Joints How they are Set Out, How Made and Where Used. by Fairham, William

With the try square repeat the lines of this sketch on both sides of each.

From Hand-Craft The Most Reliable Basis of Technical Education in Schools and Classes by Sutcliffe, John D.