plumb rule

noun

1. a device for determining perpendicularity, consisting of a narrow board with a plumb line and bob suspended from an upper edge.

plumb rule

noun

1. a plumb line attached to a narrow board, used by builders, surveyors, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of plumb rule¹

1350–1400; Middle English plomreule

Example Sentences

The bores should be set as near true as possible, tested by a spirit-level rested on the bore and placed as near true as can be judged with the length of the bore, and a plumb rule may be applied to the end faces where the cover joint comes.

From Project Gutenberg

Plumb′-line, a line to which a mass of lead is attached to show the perpendicular: a plummet; Plumb′-rule, a narrow board with a plumb-line fastened to the top, used to determine a perpendicular.

From Project Gutenberg

The tools he uses are the rule, axe, adze, saws, mallet, hammers, chisels, gouges, augers, pincers, set squares, bevel, compasses, gauges, level, plumb rule, jack, trying and smoothing planes, rebate and moulding planes, and gimlets and wedges.

From Project Gutenberg

The W. Master, 1304, will then present the Trowel to the P.G.M., who will adjust the cement, and the upper stone will be lowered, with three distinct stops. p. 150The R.W. the P.G.M. will now prove the just position and form of the stone by the Plumb Rule, Level, and Square, which will be successively handed to him by the P.G.

From Project Gutenberg

The elusive beauty of this chaste, undecorated surface seems to me to be due to the fact that the wall was built under the eye of a master mason who knew not the straight edge, the plumb rule, or the square.

From Project Gutenberg