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An instrument formerly used to punish and correct arrant scolds; -- called also a ducking stool, or trebucket. Blacktone.

d to a cat block. -- Cat nap, a very short sleep. [Colloq.] -- Cat o' nine tails, an instrument of punishment consisting of nine pieces of knotted line or cord fastened to a handle; -- formerly used to flog offenders on the bare back. -- Cat's cradle, game played, esp. by children, with a string looped on the fingers…

A dupe; a tool; one who, or that which, is used by another as an instrument to a accomplish his purposes.

The science which treats of catadioptric phenomena, or of the used of catadioptric instruments.

as is made in playhouses to express dissatisfaction with a play; also, a small shrill instrument for making such a noise. Upon the rising of the curtain. I was very much surprised with the great consort of catcalls which was exhibited. Addison.

hness made from the intestines of animals, esp. of sheep, used for strings of musical instruments, etc.

The name of various instruments for passing along mucous canals, esp. applied to a tubular instrument to be introduced into the bladder through the urethra to draw off the urine. Eustachian catheter. See under Eustachian. -- Prostatic catheter, one adapted for passing an enlarged prostate.

An instrument for the accurate measurement of small differences of height; esp. of the differences in the height of the upper surfaces of two columns of mercury or other fluid, or of the same column at different times. It consists of a telescopic leveling apparatus (d), which slides up or down a perpendicular metallic…

A reflecting optical glass or instrument; a mirror. [Obs.]

A hollow place; a hollow; as, the abdominal cavity. An instrument with a small cavity, like a small spoon. Arbuthot. Abnormal spaces or excavations are frequently formed in the lungs, which are designated cavities or vomicæ. Quain. Body cavity, the coelum. See under Body.

An instrument turning on a center, for boring holes. See Bit, n., 3.

An instrument for drawing lines through a point, or lines converging to a center.

An instrument measuring the dimensions of the head of a fetus during delivery.

An instrument for cutting into the fetal head, to facilitate delivery.

An obstetrical instrument for performing cephalotripsy.

An instrument or apparatus employed in the ancient mysteries to imitate thunder and lightning. T. Moore.

Pertaining to, or secreting, cerumen; as, the ceruminous glands.

An ancient wind instrument, resembling the bassoon in tone.

An instrument which consists of links and is used in measuring land.

or hangings for a chamber. -- Chamber lye, urine. Shak. -- Chamber music, vocal or instrumental music adapted to performance in a chamber or small apartment or audience room, instead of a theater, concert hall, or chuch. -- Chamber practice (Law.), the practice of counselors at law, who give their opinions in priva…