beam compass

noun

Drafting.

a compass having adjustable legs, set perpendicular to the paper and sliding along a horizontal bar so as to permit the drawing of large circles.

beam compass

noun

Also called: trammel.��an instrument for drawing large circles or arcs, consisting of a horizontal beam along which two vertical legs slide

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Word History and Origins

Origin of beam compass¹

First recorded in 1775–85

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

These lines are struck with great rapidity, and with mathematical truth, by an instrument called a "beam compass," in the use of which this workwoman is most expert.

From

The "Odd Job" Tool.—A most useful special tool, which combines in its make-up a level, plumb try-square, miter-square, bevel, scratch awl, depth gage, marking gage, miter gage, beam compass, and a one-foot rule.

From

beam brick beam-ends

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