An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

A device for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating → magnetic needle that indicates → magnetic north.

M.E. compas, from O.Fr. compas "circle, pair of compasses," from compasser "to go around, measure," from V.L. *compassare "to pace out," from L. → com- "together" + passus "a step."

Qotbnemâ, literally "pole indicator," from qotb, → pole, + nemâ "indicator, showing," from nemudan "to show," → display.

The needle in a → magnetic compass.

→ compass; → needle.

An instrument that consists of two arms, joined at the top, one arm of which serves as a stationary reference point or pivot, while the other describes a circle or is extended. It is used for measuring angles, transferring lengths, and drawing circumferences. Also pair of compasses.

→ compass.

Pargâr "a pair of compasses," from Proto-Ir. *pari-kar- "to draw around, to plough around," from *pari- "around, round about" (Mod.Pers. par-, pirâ-, cognate with Gk. peri-), → circum-, + *kar-, karš- "to draw (a furrow), till, plant" (Mod.Pers. kašidan "to draw," kâštan, kâridan "to plant"); Lori, Hamadâni kerr "line, scratch;" Laki keronen, Hamadâni kerândan "to pull along, drag;" Tâleši kernye; Tabari kərəš "to drag;" cf. Av. pairikara- "a furrow round about," Skt. parikara- "girdle, waist-band, zone."

→ compass.

→ magnetic; → compass.