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cted movement; as, the current of time, of events, of opinion, etc. Current meter, an instrument for measuring the velocity, force, etc., of currents. -- Current mill, a mill driven by a current wheel. -- Current wheel, a wheel dipping into the water and driven by the current of a stream or by the ebb and flow of the…

Any part of a mathematical instrument that moves or slides backward and forward upon another part.

An instrument for drawing curved lines.

A keeper; a custodian; a superintendent. [Obs.] Custos rotulorum (r Etym: [LL., keeper of the rolls] (Eng. Law), the principal justice of the peace in a county, who is also keeper of the rolls and records of the sessions of the peace.

To sparate the parts of with, or as with, a sharp instrument; to make an incision in; to gash; to sever; to divide. You must cut this flesh from off his breast. Shak. Before the whistling winds the vessels fly, With rapid swiftness cut the liquid way. Pope.

One who makes or deals in cutlery, or knives and other cutting instruments.

Edged or cutting instruments, collectively.

That which cuts; a machine or part of a machine, or a tool or instrument used for cutting, as that part of a mower which severs the stalk, or as a paper cutter.

An instrument for measuring degress of blueness.

A musical instrument used by the ancients. It is supposed to have been similar to the modern kettle drum, though perhaps smaller.

An instrument for making tracings of the outline or contour of profiles, moldings, etc.

An instrument for exhibiting and measuring wave motion; specif. (Elec.),

A rule for construing written instruments so as to conform as nearly to the intention of the parties as is consistent with law. Mozley & W.

A knife or instrument used in cystotomy.

An instrument for testing the density of gases, consisting of a thin glass globe, which is weighed in the gas or gases, and then in an atmosphere of known density.

To note the time of writing or executing; to express in an instrument the time of its execution; as, to date a letter, a bond, a deed, or a charter.

the period of profoundest repose, inertness, or gloom; as, the dead of winter. When the drum beat at dead of night. Campbell.

giving indications by a single beat or excursion; -- said of galvanometers and other instruments in which the needle or index moves to the extent of its deflection and stops with little or no further oscillation. Deadbeat escapement. See under Escapement.

An ancient Greek musical instrument of ten strings, resembling the harp.

; proper formality; becoming ceremony; seemliness; hence, freedom from obscenity or indecorum; modesty. Observances of time, place, and of decency in general. Burke. Immodest words admit of no defense, For want of decency is want of sense. Roscommon.