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aperture through which objects are to be seen, and by which their direction is settled or ascertained; as, the sight of a quadrant. Thier eyes of fire sparking through sights of steel. Shak.

from Sight, v. t. Sighting shot, a shot made to ascertain whether the sights of a firearm are properly adjusted; a trial shot.

An instrument for producing musical tones and for ascertaining the number of sound waves or vibrations per second which produce a note of a given pitch. The sounds are produced by a perforated rotating disk or disks. A form with two disks operated by steam or highly compressed air is used sounding an alarm to vessels i…

ing of a number of perforated gauges fastened together at one end by a rivet, -- used for ascertaining the size of pearls. Knight. Size roll, a small piese of parchment added to a roll. -- Size stick, a measuring stick used by shoemakers for ascertaining the size of the foot.

An instrument for exhibiting the transverse vibrations of cords, and ascertaining the relations between musical notes. It consists of a cord stretched by weight along a box, and divided into different lengths at pleasure by a bridge, the place of which is determined by a scale on the face of the box.…

To measure the depth of; to fathom; especially, to ascertain the depth of by means of a line and plummet.

measurement by sounding; also, the depth so ascertained.

n sent secretly into an enemy's camp, territory, or fortifications, to inspect his works, ascertain his strength, movements, or designs, and to communicate such intelligence to the proper officer. Spy money, money paid to a spy; the reward for private or secret intelligence regarding the enemy. -- Spy Wednesday (Eccl.…

-- To take stock of, to take account of the stock of; to take an inventory of; hence, to ascertain the facts in regard to (something). [Eng.] At the outset of any inquiry it is proper to take stock of the results obtained by previous explorers of the same field. Leslie Stephen.

A board, or piece of wood or metal, having one edge perfectly straight, -- used to ascertain whether a line is straight or a surface even, and for drawing straight lines.

An instrument for ascertaining the velocity of the blood in a vessel.

The act of shaking; a shake; esp. (Med.), a shaking of the body to ascertain if there be a liquid in the thorax.

gether into one whole; to collect into one amount; to cast up, as a column of figures; to ascertain the totality of; -- usually with up. The mind doth value every moment, and then the hour doth rather sum up the moments, than divide the day. Bacon.

Not to be summed up or computed; so great that the amount can not be ascertained; incalculable; inestimable. "Sumless treasure." Pope.

To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey a building in order to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire.

e, a. -- Topographical surveying, that branch of surveying which involves the process of ascertaining and representing upon a plane surface the contour, physical features, etc., of any portion of the surface of the earth.

One who views and examines for the purpose of ascertaining the condition, quantity, or quality of anything; as, a surveyor of highways, ordnance, etc.

To ascertain or mark the tare of (goods).

five senses by which certain properties of bodies (called their taste, savor, flavor) are ascertained by contact with the organs of taste.

One who tastes; especially, one who first tastes food or drink to ascertain its quality. Thy tutor be thy taster, ere thou eat. Dryden.