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 John D. Sutcliffe

The wood is placed upon the bench, and the joint marked out by using a marking knife or penknife blade and the try square.

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

Then glue in each plug, using the try square to make sure that they project at right angles.

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

Set out the stiles with a marking knife or penknife and a try square, as shown at Fig.

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

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