pair of compasses

noun

1. compass ( def 7 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of pair of compasses¹

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

He noticed that by using a pair of compasses with his log ruler, he could calculate multiplications without needing to confer with a log table; if the compass was set with the left spike at 1 and the right spike at a, then when he put the left spike at any number b the right spike would be at the number a x b.

From Literature

“I knows him!” and, after a few convulsive efforts, the red legs took the shape of a pair of compasses, and the intelligent pupil triumphantly shouted, “It’s a We, Dranpa, it’s a We!”

From Literature

One of the simplest techniques used by Tycho in 1563 was to hold a pair of compasses close to his eye, with the point of one leg of the pair on a star and the other point on a planet of interest—say, Jupiter.

From Literature

The most common type of apotropaic mark is the daisy wheel, or hexafoil, which is often a six-petal “flower” drawn with a pair of compasses.

From Fox News

The public body Historic Britain says they are often carved into the shape of a daisy wheel, which looks like a six petal “flower” drawn with a pair of compasses in a single endless line that was supposed to confuse and entrap wicked spirits.

From Time