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

In the 17th century we find numerous allusions to gimmal rings (variously spelt).

From Project Gutenberg

Nares, in his Glossary, observes that the name gimmal was preserved to rings made triple, or even more complimentary.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg