plumb bob

American  

noun

1. plummet.

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plumb bob British  

noun

1. the weight, usually of lead, at the end of a plumb line; plummet

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Etymology

Origin of plumb bob

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Some are obvious, such as the armillary sphere and quadrant, an architect’s plumb bob and carpenter’s square, a compass, and a pair of dividers.

From Scientific American

Cake pans, coffee pots, cash registers, and a white ElectroChef stove appeared amid scientific instruments such as steel calipers and a brass plumb bob.

From New York Times

He’s old-school, using a protractor, levels and plumb bobs to diagnose problems and devise solutions, tweaking until he transforms ill-fitting two-wheelers into comfortable speed machines.

From Washington Post

Her hammer and plumb bob are made of pennies, and the tape measure incorporates silver dimes and quarters.

From Seattle Times

It can become a spirit level, a surface level, a ruler, a protractor, a plumb bob and more.

From New York Times