Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun In Roman antiquity, a bolt.
  • noun [NL.] In obstetrics, a curved fenestrated instrument similar to one of the blades of the obstetrical forceps, used in certain cases to aid delivery. Commonly called lever.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Fourth, place a balance or beam below, hanging down perpendicularly for some distance with a small weight attached to its end, pendent exactly in line with the centre of gravity; the longer this beam is, the lighter must it be, for it must have the same proportion as the well-known vectis or steel-yard.

    A History of Aeronautics Evelyn Charles Vivian 1914

Comments

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  • Another one of those things never for sale on craigslist.

    Oh! Time for a new list.

    January 3, 2012

  • I think I saw one of these in a museum, once.

    January 3, 2012

  • Beat you to it, zuzu!

    January 3, 2012