Is “Compasses” a typo?
In the Wikipedia article for Freemasonry, it gave a picture regarding the emblem of the Freemasons:
The caption below reads:
The Masonic Square and Compasses.
(Found with or without the letter G)
Just wondering, is "Compasses" correct? Shouldn't it be compass? I looked this up on several dictionaries, and I don't seem to find "compasses" when referring to a tool for drawing circles, only "compass". However, "compasses" makes sense, as it looks something similar to "scissors".
Should it be "compass" or "compasses"?
word-choice
edited Aug 25 '11 at 19:19
T.E.D.
17k13166
asked Aug 25 '11 at 11:41
Thursagen
35k38144214
add a comment |
In the Wikipedia article for Freemasonry, it gave a picture regarding the emblem of the Freemasons:
The caption below reads:
The Masonic Square and Compasses.
(Found with or without the letter G)
Just wondering, is "Compasses" correct? Shouldn't it be compass? I looked this up on several dictionaries, and I don't seem to find "compasses" when referring to a tool for drawing circles, only "compass". However, "compasses" makes sense, as it looks something similar to "scissors".
Should it be "compass" or "compasses"?
word-choice
edited Aug 25 '11 at 19:19
T.E.D.
17k13166
asked Aug 25 '11 at 11:41
Thursagen
35k38144214
Just to point out that the instrument shown would now be called `a pair of dividers'. It is at least possible that the name changed when a pencil was attached in place of one leg, and so the instrument was not so obviously bifurcated.
– TimLymington
Aug 30 '11 at 10:20
In one of my high school math classes (ca 1963) the instructor quite firmly asserted that the instrument you used to draw circles was "a pair of compasses" rather than "a compass". I don't recall anyone advocating "compasses" before or since, however (though I've completely blocked from my memory my freshman college drafting class). No idea what current US school usage is.
– Hot Licks
Nov 23 '15 at 2:39
The pivot is a modern convenience. In classical geometrical construction, the device falls apart as soon as you let go of it. This creates a technical distinction between what can be developed with classical tools and what can be developed using modern dividers which retain their span when you let go of them.
– Phil Sweet
Dec 10 '17 at 3:03
add a comment |
In the Wikipedia article for Freemasonry, it gave a picture regarding the emblem of the Freemasons:
The caption below reads:
The Masonic Square and Compasses.
(Found with or without the letter G)
Just wondering, is "Compasses" correct? Shouldn't it be compass? I looked this up on several dictionaries, and I don't seem to find "compasses" when referring to a tool for drawing circles, only "compass". However, "compasses" makes sense, as it looks something similar to "scissors".
Should it be "compass" or "compasses"?
word-choice
edited Aug 25 '11 at 19:19
T.E.D.
17k13166
asked Aug 25 '11 at 11:41
Thursagen
35k38144214
In the Wikipedia article for Freemasonry, it gave a picture regarding the emblem of the Freemasons:
The caption below reads:
The Masonic Square and Compasses.
(Found with or without the letter G)
Just wondering, is "Compasses" correct? Shouldn't it be compass? I looked this up on several dictionaries, and I don't seem to find "compasses" when referring to a tool for drawing circles, only "compass". However, "compasses" makes sense, as it looks something similar to "scissors".
Should it be "compass" or "compasses"?
word-choice
word-choice
edited Aug 25 '11 at 19:19
T.E.D.
17k13166
asked Aug 25 '11 at 11:41
Thursagen
35k38144214
edited Aug 25 '11 at 19:19
T.E.D.
17k13166
asked Aug 25 '11 at 11:41
Thursagen
35k38144214
edited Aug 25 '11 at 19:19
T.E.D.
17k13166
edited Aug 25 '11 at 19:19
T.E.D.
17k13166
edited Aug 25 '11 at 19:19
T.E.D.
17k13166
17k13166
asked Aug 25 '11 at 11:41
Thursagen
35k38144214
asked Aug 25 '11 at 11:41
Thursagen
35k38144214
asked Aug 25 '11 at 11:41
Thursagen
35k38144214
35k38144214
Just to point out that the instrument shown would now be called `a pair of dividers'. It is at least possible that the name changed when a pencil was attached in place of one leg, and so the instrument was not so obviously bifurcated.
– TimLymington
Aug 30 '11 at 10:20
In one of my high school math classes (ca 1963) the instructor quite firmly asserted that the instrument you used to draw circles was "a pair of compasses" rather than "a compass". I don't recall anyone advocating "compasses" before or since, however (though I've completely blocked from my memory my freshman college drafting class). No idea what current US school usage is.
– Hot Licks
Nov 23 '15 at 2:39
The pivot is a modern convenience. In classical geometrical construction, the device falls apart as soon as you let go of it. This creates a technical distinction between what can be developed with classical tools and what can be developed using modern dividers which retain their span when you let go of them.
– Phil Sweet
Dec 10 '17 at 3:03
add a comment |
Just to point out that the instrument shown would now be called `a pair of dividers'. It is at least possible that the name changed when a pencil was attached in place of one leg, and so the instrument was not so obviously bifurcated.
– TimLymington
Aug 30 '11 at 10:20
In one of my high school math classes (ca 1963) the instructor quite firmly asserted that the instrument you used to draw circles was "a pair of compasses" rather than "a compass". I don't recall anyone advocating "compasses" before or since, however (though I've completely blocked from my memory my freshman college drafting class). No idea what current US school usage is.
– Hot Licks
Nov 23 '15 at 2:39
The pivot is a modern convenience. In classical geometrical construction, the device falls apart as soon as you let go of it. This creates a technical distinction between what can be developed with classical tools and what can be developed using modern dividers which retain their span when you let go of them.
– Phil Sweet
Dec 10 '17 at 3:03
Just to point out that the instrument shown would now be called `a pair of dividers'. It is at least possible that the name changed when a pencil was attached in place of one leg, and so the instrument was not so obviously bifurcated.
– TimLymington
Aug 30 '11 at 10:20
Just to point out that the instrument shown would now be called `a pair of dividers'. It is at least possible that the name changed when a pencil was attached in place of one leg, and so the instrument was not so obviously bifurcated.
– TimLymington
Aug 30 '11 at 10:20
In one of my high school math classes (ca 1963) the instructor quite firmly asserted that the instrument you used to draw circles was "a pair of compasses" rather than "a compass". I don't recall anyone advocating "compasses" before or since, however (though I've completely blocked from my memory my freshman college drafting class). No idea what current US school usage is.
– Hot Licks
Nov 23 '15 at 2:39
In one of my high school math classes (ca 1963) the instructor quite firmly asserted that the instrument you used to draw circles was "a pair of compasses" rather than "a compass". I don't recall anyone advocating "compasses" before or since, however (though I've completely blocked from my memory my freshman college drafting class). No idea what current US school usage is.
– Hot Licks
Nov 23 '15 at 2:39
The pivot is a modern convenience. In classical geometrical construction, the device falls apart as soon as you let go of it. This creates a technical distinction between what can be developed with classical tools and what can be developed using modern dividers which retain their span when you let go of them.
– Phil Sweet
Dec 10 '17 at 3:03
The pivot is a modern convenience. In classical geometrical construction, the device falls apart as soon as you let go of it. This creates a technical distinction between what can be developed with classical tools and what can be developed using modern dividers which retain their span when you let go of them.
– Phil Sweet
Dec 10 '17 at 3:03
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
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I think it is not a typo. I've looked up compasses in my Babylon English dictionary, and it says:
compasses
n. instrument for drawing circles and measuring, calipers.
Additionally, Oxford Dictionaries Online states there is also compasses or a pair of compasses.
compass
2) (also compasses or a pair of compasses) an instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points , consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint , one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen.
answered Aug 25 '11 at 11:48
Mehper C. Palavuzlar
24.5k56140198
So, it's just an alternative spelling?
– Thursagen
Aug 25 '11 at 11:52
My understanding is that it's an alternative spelling which is more apprehensible. I believe, without clear context, compass alone connotates navigational instrument that shows directions.
– Mehper C. Palavuzlar
Aug 25 '11 at 11:59
3
I remember way back in school, on the first day of geometry class, the teacher told us the supplies we would need, including "a pair of compasses". Needing TWO of them seemed strange to me! What, we would use one in each hand? But then the teacher went on to explain that "a pair of compasses" was the long way to refer to that particular geometric drawing instrument.
– GEdgar
Aug 25 '11 at 12:36
5
Using compass in the singular, unless it refers to a device for navigation, still sounds odd to my British ears after 20 years in America.
– Kevin Lawrence
Aug 25 '11 at 23:36
2
@Kevin - agreed - UK usage is definitely "compasses" for the drawing or map-measuring tool, "compass" for something that points north.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:34
|
show 2 more comments
A compass, like scissors, tweezers, glasses, pliers, tongs, bellows, and calipers, is an instrument that is made up of two near-identical pieces that are attached to each other. Comparing it with these examples, it's somewhat surprising that we generally refer to it in the singular rather than in the plural. All three constructions: a compass, a pair of compasses, and compasses, are acceptable, although a compass is currently the general usage. As this Google Ngram shows, the plural compasses was formerly used much more often than it is now:
answered Aug 25 '11 at 14:48
Peter Shor
61.7k5117220
1
how has your Ngram distinguished between uses ofcompassto mean a drawing / measuring instrument, and uses to mean a navigational aid? If it didn't make that distinction it is not very helpful.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:35
1
The Ngram compares the phrases "compass to draw" and "compasses to draw." It's really hard to fit the nativational aid into this phrase. If you have doubts about this Ngram, the Ngram for the phrases ruler and compass(es) shows the same behavior.
– Peter Shor
Aug 27 '11 at 0:21
OK thanks, I had missed the small print on the ngram label: adding "to draw" should have helped to limit this to references to drawing instruments.
– AAT
Aug 27 '11 at 22:42
add a comment |
Historically the instrument for drawing circles and measuring distances on a map were referred to as compasses. It was the navy who introduced the name dividers to distinguish the instrument from the magnetic compass used for navigation.
answered Dec 9 '17 at 18:44
John Avery
111
add a comment |
Looks like it depends on the region: growing up in the United States, I had many compasses exactly like in that picture, and it was always "the compass". I've never heard of one of those called "the compasses". Sounds crazy to my ears. I've also never piloted a ship. But I have turned in plenty of so-so grade school assignments with diagrams drawn using my compass.
answered 15 mins ago
Johnny
12
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4 Answers
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4 Answers
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active
oldest
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active
oldest
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I think it is not a typo. I've looked up compasses in my Babylon English dictionary, and it says:
compasses
n. instrument for drawing circles and measuring, calipers.
Additionally, Oxford Dictionaries Online states there is also compasses or a pair of compasses.
compass
2) (also compasses or a pair of compasses) an instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points , consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint , one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen.
answered Aug 25 '11 at 11:48
Mehper C. Palavuzlar
24.5k56140198
So, it's just an alternative spelling?
– Thursagen
Aug 25 '11 at 11:52
My understanding is that it's an alternative spelling which is more apprehensible. I believe, without clear context, compass alone connotates navigational instrument that shows directions.
– Mehper C. Palavuzlar
Aug 25 '11 at 11:59
3
I remember way back in school, on the first day of geometry class, the teacher told us the supplies we would need, including "a pair of compasses". Needing TWO of them seemed strange to me! What, we would use one in each hand? But then the teacher went on to explain that "a pair of compasses" was the long way to refer to that particular geometric drawing instrument.
– GEdgar
Aug 25 '11 at 12:36
5
Using compass in the singular, unless it refers to a device for navigation, still sounds odd to my British ears after 20 years in America.
– Kevin Lawrence
Aug 25 '11 at 23:36
2
@Kevin - agreed - UK usage is definitely "compasses" for the drawing or map-measuring tool, "compass" for something that points north.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:34
|
show 2 more comments
I think it is not a typo. I've looked up compasses in my Babylon English dictionary, and it says:
compasses
n. instrument for drawing circles and measuring, calipers.
Additionally, Oxford Dictionaries Online states there is also compasses or a pair of compasses.
compass
2) (also compasses or a pair of compasses) an instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points , consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint , one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen.
answered Aug 25 '11 at 11:48
Mehper C. Palavuzlar
24.5k56140198
So, it's just an alternative spelling?
– Thursagen
Aug 25 '11 at 11:52
My understanding is that it's an alternative spelling which is more apprehensible. I believe, without clear context, compass alone connotates navigational instrument that shows directions.
– Mehper C. Palavuzlar
Aug 25 '11 at 11:59
3
I remember way back in school, on the first day of geometry class, the teacher told us the supplies we would need, including "a pair of compasses". Needing TWO of them seemed strange to me! What, we would use one in each hand? But then the teacher went on to explain that "a pair of compasses" was the long way to refer to that particular geometric drawing instrument.
– GEdgar
Aug 25 '11 at 12:36
5
Using compass in the singular, unless it refers to a device for navigation, still sounds odd to my British ears after 20 years in America.
– Kevin Lawrence
Aug 25 '11 at 23:36
2
@Kevin - agreed - UK usage is definitely "compasses" for the drawing or map-measuring tool, "compass" for something that points north.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:34
|
show 2 more comments
I think it is not a typo. I've looked up compasses in my Babylon English dictionary, and it says:
compasses
n. instrument for drawing circles and measuring, calipers.
Additionally, Oxford Dictionaries Online states there is also compasses or a pair of compasses.
compass
2) (also compasses or a pair of compasses) an instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points , consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint , one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen.
answered Aug 25 '11 at 11:48
Mehper C. Palavuzlar
24.5k56140198
I think it is not a typo. I've looked up compasses in my Babylon English dictionary, and it says:
compasses
n. instrument for drawing circles and measuring, calipers.
Additionally, Oxford Dictionaries Online states there is also compasses or a pair of compasses.
compass
2) (also compasses or a pair of compasses) an instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points , consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint , one arm ending in a point and the other usually carrying a pencil or pen.
answered Aug 25 '11 at 11:48
Mehper C. Palavuzlar
24.5k56140198
answered Aug 25 '11 at 11:48
Mehper C. Palavuzlar
24.5k56140198
answered Aug 25 '11 at 11:48
Mehper C. Palavuzlar
24.5k56140198
answered Aug 25 '11 at 11:48
Mehper C. Palavuzlar
24.5k56140198
24.5k56140198
So, it's just an alternative spelling?
– Thursagen
Aug 25 '11 at 11:52
My understanding is that it's an alternative spelling which is more apprehensible. I believe, without clear context, compass alone connotates navigational instrument that shows directions.
– Mehper C. Palavuzlar
Aug 25 '11 at 11:59
3
I remember way back in school, on the first day of geometry class, the teacher told us the supplies we would need, including "a pair of compasses". Needing TWO of them seemed strange to me! What, we would use one in each hand? But then the teacher went on to explain that "a pair of compasses" was the long way to refer to that particular geometric drawing instrument.
– GEdgar
Aug 25 '11 at 12:36
5
Using compass in the singular, unless it refers to a device for navigation, still sounds odd to my British ears after 20 years in America.
– Kevin Lawrence
Aug 25 '11 at 23:36
2
@Kevin - agreed - UK usage is definitely "compasses" for the drawing or map-measuring tool, "compass" for something that points north.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:34
|
show 2 more comments
So, it's just an alternative spelling?
– Thursagen
Aug 25 '11 at 11:52
My understanding is that it's an alternative spelling which is more apprehensible. I believe, without clear context, compass alone connotates navigational instrument that shows directions.
– Mehper C. Palavuzlar
Aug 25 '11 at 11:59
3
I remember way back in school, on the first day of geometry class, the teacher told us the supplies we would need, including "a pair of compasses". Needing TWO of them seemed strange to me! What, we would use one in each hand? But then the teacher went on to explain that "a pair of compasses" was the long way to refer to that particular geometric drawing instrument.
– GEdgar
Aug 25 '11 at 12:36
5
Using compass in the singular, unless it refers to a device for navigation, still sounds odd to my British ears after 20 years in America.
– Kevin Lawrence
Aug 25 '11 at 23:36
2
@Kevin - agreed - UK usage is definitely "compasses" for the drawing or map-measuring tool, "compass" for something that points north.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:34
So, it's just an alternative spelling?
– Thursagen
Aug 25 '11 at 11:52
So, it's just an alternative spelling?
– Thursagen
Aug 25 '11 at 11:52
My understanding is that it's an alternative spelling which is more apprehensible. I believe, without clear context, compass alone connotates navigational instrument that shows directions.
– Mehper C. Palavuzlar
Aug 25 '11 at 11:59
My understanding is that it's an alternative spelling which is more apprehensible. I believe, without clear context, compass alone connotates navigational instrument that shows directions.
– Mehper C. Palavuzlar
Aug 25 '11 at 11:59
3
3
I remember way back in school, on the first day of geometry class, the teacher told us the supplies we would need, including "a pair of compasses". Needing TWO of them seemed strange to me! What, we would use one in each hand? But then the teacher went on to explain that "a pair of compasses" was the long way to refer to that particular geometric drawing instrument.
– GEdgar
Aug 25 '11 at 12:36
I remember way back in school, on the first day of geometry class, the teacher told us the supplies we would need, including "a pair of compasses". Needing TWO of them seemed strange to me! What, we would use one in each hand? But then the teacher went on to explain that "a pair of compasses" was the long way to refer to that particular geometric drawing instrument.
– GEdgar
Aug 25 '11 at 12:36
5
5
Using compass in the singular, unless it refers to a device for navigation, still sounds odd to my British ears after 20 years in America.
– Kevin Lawrence
Aug 25 '11 at 23:36
Using compass in the singular, unless it refers to a device for navigation, still sounds odd to my British ears after 20 years in America.
– Kevin Lawrence
Aug 25 '11 at 23:36
2
2
@Kevin - agreed - UK usage is definitely "compasses" for the drawing or map-measuring tool, "compass" for something that points north.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:34
@Kevin - agreed - UK usage is definitely "compasses" for the drawing or map-measuring tool, "compass" for something that points north.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:34
|
show 2 more comments
A compass, like scissors, tweezers, glasses, pliers, tongs, bellows, and calipers, is an instrument that is made up of two near-identical pieces that are attached to each other. Comparing it with these examples, it's somewhat surprising that we generally refer to it in the singular rather than in the plural. All three constructions: a compass, a pair of compasses, and compasses, are acceptable, although a compass is currently the general usage. As this Google Ngram shows, the plural compasses was formerly used much more often than it is now:
answered Aug 25 '11 at 14:48
Peter Shor
61.7k5117220
1
how has your Ngram distinguished between uses ofcompassto mean a drawing / measuring instrument, and uses to mean a navigational aid? If it didn't make that distinction it is not very helpful.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:35
1
The Ngram compares the phrases "compass to draw" and "compasses to draw." It's really hard to fit the nativational aid into this phrase. If you have doubts about this Ngram, the Ngram for the phrases ruler and compass(es) shows the same behavior.
– Peter Shor
Aug 27 '11 at 0:21
OK thanks, I had missed the small print on the ngram label: adding "to draw" should have helped to limit this to references to drawing instruments.
– AAT
Aug 27 '11 at 22:42
add a comment |
A compass, like scissors, tweezers, glasses, pliers, tongs, bellows, and calipers, is an instrument that is made up of two near-identical pieces that are attached to each other. Comparing it with these examples, it's somewhat surprising that we generally refer to it in the singular rather than in the plural. All three constructions: a compass, a pair of compasses, and compasses, are acceptable, although a compass is currently the general usage. As this Google Ngram shows, the plural compasses was formerly used much more often than it is now:
answered Aug 25 '11 at 14:48
Peter Shor
61.7k5117220
1
how has your Ngram distinguished between uses ofcompassto mean a drawing / measuring instrument, and uses to mean a navigational aid? If it didn't make that distinction it is not very helpful.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:35
1
The Ngram compares the phrases "compass to draw" and "compasses to draw." It's really hard to fit the nativational aid into this phrase. If you have doubts about this Ngram, the Ngram for the phrases ruler and compass(es) shows the same behavior.
– Peter Shor
Aug 27 '11 at 0:21
OK thanks, I had missed the small print on the ngram label: adding "to draw" should have helped to limit this to references to drawing instruments.
– AAT
Aug 27 '11 at 22:42
add a comment |
A compass, like scissors, tweezers, glasses, pliers, tongs, bellows, and calipers, is an instrument that is made up of two near-identical pieces that are attached to each other. Comparing it with these examples, it's somewhat surprising that we generally refer to it in the singular rather than in the plural. All three constructions: a compass, a pair of compasses, and compasses, are acceptable, although a compass is currently the general usage. As this Google Ngram shows, the plural compasses was formerly used much more often than it is now:
answered Aug 25 '11 at 14:48
Peter Shor
61.7k5117220
A compass, like scissors, tweezers, glasses, pliers, tongs, bellows, and calipers, is an instrument that is made up of two near-identical pieces that are attached to each other. Comparing it with these examples, it's somewhat surprising that we generally refer to it in the singular rather than in the plural. All three constructions: a compass, a pair of compasses, and compasses, are acceptable, although a compass is currently the general usage. As this Google Ngram shows, the plural compasses was formerly used much more often than it is now:
answered Aug 25 '11 at 14:48
Peter Shor
61.7k5117220
edited Aug 25 '11 at 15:15
answered Aug 25 '11 at 14:48
Peter Shor
61.7k5117220
answered Aug 25 '11 at 14:48
Peter Shor
61.7k5117220
answered Aug 25 '11 at 14:48
Peter Shor
61.7k5117220
61.7k5117220
1
how has your Ngram distinguished between uses ofcompassto mean a drawing / measuring instrument, and uses to mean a navigational aid? If it didn't make that distinction it is not very helpful.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:35
1
The Ngram compares the phrases "compass to draw" and "compasses to draw." It's really hard to fit the nativational aid into this phrase. If you have doubts about this Ngram, the Ngram for the phrases ruler and compass(es) shows the same behavior.
– Peter Shor
Aug 27 '11 at 0:21
OK thanks, I had missed the small print on the ngram label: adding "to draw" should have helped to limit this to references to drawing instruments.
– AAT
Aug 27 '11 at 22:42
add a comment |
1
how has your Ngram distinguished between uses ofcompassto mean a drawing / measuring instrument, and uses to mean a navigational aid? If it didn't make that distinction it is not very helpful.
– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:35
1
The Ngram compares the phrases "compass to draw" and "compasses to draw." It's really hard to fit the nativational aid into this phrase. If you have doubts about this Ngram, the Ngram for the phrases ruler and compass(es) shows the same behavior.
– Peter Shor
Aug 27 '11 at 0:21
OK thanks, I had missed the small print on the ngram label: adding "to draw" should have helped to limit this to references to drawing instruments.
– AAT
Aug 27 '11 at 22:42
1
1
how has your Ngram distinguished between uses of
compass to mean a drawing / measuring instrument, and uses to mean a navigational aid? If it didn't make that distinction it is not very helpful.– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:35
how has your Ngram distinguished between uses of
compass to mean a drawing / measuring instrument, and uses to mean a navigational aid? If it didn't make that distinction it is not very helpful.– AAT
Aug 26 '11 at 23:35
1
1
The Ngram compares the phrases "compass to draw" and "compasses to draw." It's really hard to fit the nativational aid into this phrase. If you have doubts about this Ngram, the Ngram for the phrases ruler and compass(es) shows the same behavior.
– Peter Shor
Aug 27 '11 at 0:21
The Ngram compares the phrases "compass to draw" and "compasses to draw." It's really hard to fit the nativational aid into this phrase. If you have doubts about this Ngram, the Ngram for the phrases ruler and compass(es) shows the same behavior.
– Peter Shor
Aug 27 '11 at 0:21
OK thanks, I had missed the small print on the ngram label: adding "to draw" should have helped to limit this to references to drawing instruments.
– AAT
Aug 27 '11 at 22:42
OK thanks, I had missed the small print on the ngram label: adding "to draw" should have helped to limit this to references to drawing instruments.
– AAT
Aug 27 '11 at 22:42
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Historically the instrument for drawing circles and measuring distances on a map were referred to as compasses. It was the navy who introduced the name dividers to distinguish the instrument from the magnetic compass used for navigation.
answered Dec 9 '17 at 18:44
John Avery
111
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Historically the instrument for drawing circles and measuring distances on a map were referred to as compasses. It was the navy who introduced the name dividers to distinguish the instrument from the magnetic compass used for navigation.
answered Dec 9 '17 at 18:44
John Avery
111
add a comment |
Historically the instrument for drawing circles and measuring distances on a map were referred to as compasses. It was the navy who introduced the name dividers to distinguish the instrument from the magnetic compass used for navigation.
answered Dec 9 '17 at 18:44
John Avery
111
Historically the instrument for drawing circles and measuring distances on a map were referred to as compasses. It was the navy who introduced the name dividers to distinguish the instrument from the magnetic compass used for navigation.
answered Dec 9 '17 at 18:44
John Avery
111
answered Dec 9 '17 at 18:44
John Avery
111
answered Dec 9 '17 at 18:44
John Avery
111
answered Dec 9 '17 at 18:44
John Avery
111
111
add a comment |
add a comment |
Looks like it depends on the region: growing up in the United States, I had many compasses exactly like in that picture, and it was always "the compass". I've never heard of one of those called "the compasses". Sounds crazy to my ears. I've also never piloted a ship. But I have turned in plenty of so-so grade school assignments with diagrams drawn using my compass.
answered 15 mins ago
Johnny
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Looks like it depends on the region: growing up in the United States, I had many compasses exactly like in that picture, and it was always "the compass". I've never heard of one of those called "the compasses". Sounds crazy to my ears. I've also never piloted a ship. But I have turned in plenty of so-so grade school assignments with diagrams drawn using my compass.
answered 15 mins ago
Johnny
12
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Johnny is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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add a comment |
Looks like it depends on the region: growing up in the United States, I had many compasses exactly like in that picture, and it was always "the compass". I've never heard of one of those called "the compasses". Sounds crazy to my ears. I've also never piloted a ship. But I have turned in plenty of so-so grade school assignments with diagrams drawn using my compass.
answered 15 mins ago
Johnny
12
New contributor
Johnny is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Looks like it depends on the region: growing up in the United States, I had many compasses exactly like in that picture, and it was always "the compass". I've never heard of one of those called "the compasses". Sounds crazy to my ears. I've also never piloted a ship. But I have turned in plenty of so-so grade school assignments with diagrams drawn using my compass.
answered 15 mins ago
Johnny
12
New contributor
Johnny is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 15 mins ago
Johnny
12
New contributor
Johnny is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 15 mins ago
Johnny
12
answered 15 mins ago
Johnny
12
12
New contributor
Johnny is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Johnny is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Johnny is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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add a comment |
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Just to point out that the instrument shown would now be called `a pair of dividers'. It is at least possible that the name changed when a pencil was attached in place of one leg, and so the instrument was not so obviously bifurcated.
– TimLymington
Aug 30 '11 at 10:20
In one of my high school math classes (ca 1963) the instructor quite firmly asserted that the instrument you used to draw circles was "a pair of compasses" rather than "a compass". I don't recall anyone advocating "compasses" before or since, however (though I've completely blocked from my memory my freshman college drafting class). No idea what current US school usage is.
– Hot Licks
Nov 23 '15 at 2:39
The pivot is a modern convenience. In classical geometrical construction, the device falls apart as soon as you let go of it. This creates a technical distinction between what can be developed with classical tools and what can be developed using modern dividers which retain their span when you let go of them.
– Phil Sweet
Dec 10 '17 at 3:03