gimmal

[ gim-uhl, jim-uhl ]

noun

1. any of various joints for transmitting motion between rotating parts, as in a timepiece.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gimmal¹

1520–30; alteration of gemel (originally in plural) twin, Middle English gemelles (< Old French gemeles ) < Latin gemellus (singular), diminutive of geminus twin

Example Sentences

What is't, then?—a muff of satin—a gimmal ring——" "No, no, not so, father; I would have you buy for me a clasp-knife—as good a one as the money will get; and the cutler must engrave on the blade, or on the handle, I care not which, a message—an inscription, as it were; 'tis but three words—For Judith's Sweetheart.

From Project Gutenberg

The gimmal betrothal ring was formerly a favourite pattern, and consisted of three circlets attached to a spring or pivot, and could be closed so as to appear like one solid ring.

From Project Gutenberg

And in their pale dull mouths the gimmal bit Lies foul with chew'd Grass, still and motionless.

From Project Gutenberg

Such rings were known as Gemel or Gimmal rings, the word being derived from the Latin gemellus, twins.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus cariophyllus, flos; gerofilo, Italian, giriflee, gilofer, French, gilliflower, which the vulgar call julyflower, as if derived from the month July; petroselinum, parsley; portulaca, purslain; cydonium, quince; cydoniatum, quiddeny; persicum, peach; eruca, eruke, which they corrupt to earwig, as if it took its name from the ear; annulus geminus, a gimmal, or gimbal-ring; and thus the word gimbal or jumbal is transferred to other things thus interwoven; quelques choses, kickshaws.

From Project Gutenberg