bow compass

[ boh ]
/ boʊ /

noun

any of several types of compasses having the legs joined by a bow-shaped piece.

Origin of bow compass

First recorded in 1790–1800

Words nearby bow compass

bow, bow and scrape, bow back, bow bells, bow collector, bow compass, bow divider, bow front, bow hand, bow legs, bow net

British Dictionary definitions for bow compass

bow compass
/ (bəʊ) /

noun

a compass for drawing, in which the legs are joined by a flexible metal bow-shaped spring rather than a hinge, the angle being adjusted by a screw Also called: bow-spring compass