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A vocal or instrumental composition of a soft tranquil character, having a lulling effect; a cradle song.

An instrument consisting of two rules or arms, jointed together at one end, and opening to any angle, for adjusting the surfaces of work to the same or a given inclination; -- called also a bevel square. Gwilt.

An instrument or weapon with two prongs.

s, bifilar suspension; a bifilar balance. Bifilar micrometer (often called a bifilar), an instrument form measuring minute distances or angles by means of two very minute threads (usually spider lines), one of which, at least, is movable; -- more commonly called a filar micrometer.

A cutting instrument, with hook-shaped point, and fitted with a handle; -- used in pruning, etc.; a billhook. When short, called a hand bill, when long, a hedge bill.

An instrument combining a cinematograph and a phonograph so that the moving figures on the screen are accompanied by the appropriate sounds.

An instrument of any kind, as a whistle, used in making the sound of a birdcall.

A surgical instrument consisting of a slender knife, either straight or curved, generally used by introducing it beneath the part to be divided, and cutting towards the surface.

The cutting part of an instrument; as, the blade of a knife or a sword.

An instrument for measuring the bleaching power of chloride of lime and potash; a chlorometer. Ure.

Any void space; a void space on paper, or in any written instrument; an interval void of consciousness, action, result, etc; a void. I can not write a paper full, I used to do; and yet I will not forgive a blank of half an inch from you. Swift. From this time there ensues a long blank in the history of French legislati…

The sound made by blowing a wind instrument; strictly, the sound produces at one breath. One blast upon his bugle horn Were worth a thousand men. Sir W. Scott. The blast of triumph o'er thy grave. Bryant.

One who, or that which, blends; an instrument, as a brush, used in blending.

A forcible stroke with the hand, fist, or some instrument, as a rod, a club, an ax, or a sword. Well struck ! there was blow for blow. Shak.

A similar instrument, commonly of tin, used by boys for discharging paper wads and other light missiles.

Having a thick edge or point, as an instrument; dull; not sharp. The murderous knife was dull and blunt. Shak.

An instrument for measuring minute quantities of radiant heat, especially in different parts of the spectrum; -- called also actinic balance, thermic balance. S. P. Langley.

An instrument or machine for separating bran from flour, or the coarser part of meal from the finer; a sieve.

Originally, a deep-toned instrument of the oboe or bassoon family; thence, a bass reed stop on the organ. The name bombardon is now given to a brass instrument, the lowest of the saxhorns, in tone resembling the ophicleide. Grove.

An instrument (of the nature of the ordinary legal bond) made by a government or a corporation for purpose of borrowing money; as, a government, city, or railway bond.