compass saw

noun Carpentry.

a small handsaw with a narrow, tapering blade for cutting curves of small radii; whipsaw.
Compare keyhole saw.

Origin of compass saw

First recorded in 1670–80

Words nearby compass saw

compass north, compass plane, compass plant, compass rafter, compass rose, compass saw, compass window, compassion, compassion club, compassion fatigue, compassionate

Example sentences from the Web for compass saw

  • The compass-saw shown at Fig. 107 is used for general purposes, but is not so necessary as the back saw.

    Carpentry and Woodwork |Edwin W. Foster

  • The keyhole-saw, which is even smaller than the compass-saw, is used for cutting quicker curves, as for a keyhole.

    Woodworking for Beginners |Charles Gardner Wheeler

British Dictionary definitions for compass saw

compass saw

noun

a hand saw with a narrow tapered blade for making a curved cut