Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Compasses

Compasses , noun

An instrument for describing circles, measuring figures, etc., consisting of two, or (rarely) more, pointed branches, or legs, usually joined at the top by a rivet on which they move.

The compasses for drawing circles have adjustable pen points, pencil points, etc.; those used for measuring without adjustable points are generally called dividers. See Dividers.

Collocations (3)
Bow compasses , See Bow-compass.
Caliber compasses or Caliper compasses , See Calipers.
Proportional or Triangular or compasses , See under Proportional, etc.