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An instrument, intended to represent the revolution of a comet round the sun. Hutton.

An instrument or machine for comparing anything to be measured with a standard measure; -- applied especially to a machine for comparing standards of length.

An instrument for determining directions upon the carth's surface by means of a magnetized bar or needle turning freely upon a pivot and pinting in a northerly and southerly direction. He that firat discovered the use of the compass did more for the supplying and increase of useful commodities than those who built work…

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.

ing competent; fitness; ability; adequacy; power. The loan demonstrates, in regard to instrumental resources, the competency of this kingdom to the assertion of the common cause. Burke. To make them act zealously is not in the competence of law. Burke.

uls or type are lifted; -- called also setting rule. -- Composing stick (Print.), an instrument usually of metal, which the compositor holds in his left hand, and in which he arranges the type in words and lines. It has one open side, and one adjustable end by means of which the length of the lines, and consequently t…

A musical entertainment in which several voices or instruments take part. Visit by night your lady's chamber window With some sweet concert. Shak. And boding screech owls make the concert full. Shak. Concert pitch. See under Pitch.

A concert for two or more principal instruments, with orchestral accompaniment. Also adjectively; as, concertante parts.

chemes, signals. Concerted piece (Mus.), a composition in parts for several voices or instrument, as a trio, a quartet, etc.

A small musical imstrument on the principle of the accordion. It is a small elastic box, or bellows, having free reeds on the inside, and keys and handles on the outside of each of the two hexagonal heads.

A piece for one or more solo instruments with orchestra; -- more concise than the concerto.

A composition (usually in symphonic form with three movements) in which one instrument (or two or three) stands out in bold relief against the orchestra, or accompaniment, so as to display its qualities or the performer's skill.

An instrument for measuring shells, or the angle of their spire.

ons of sale, the terms on which it is proposed to sell property by auction; also, the instrument containing or expressing these terms.

That which carries or conveys anything; a channel; a conduit; an instrument. [Obs.] Although thou been conduct of my chame. Shak.

A grooved sound or staff used for directing instruments, as lithontriptic forceps, etc.; a director.

A blowing together, as of many instruments in a concert, or of many fires in a foundry. [R.] Bacon.

One of several that jointly sign a written instrument, as a treaty. Fallows.

Harmony of sounds; concert, as of musical instruments. [Obs.] Milton. To make a sad consort`; Come, let us join our mournful song with theirs. Spenser.

or implied in the institutions and usages of the country or society; also, a written instrument embodying such organic law, and laying down fundamental rules and principles for the conduct of affairs. Our constitution had begun to exist in times when statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact definitions. Macau…