[f. BOW sb.1 + COMPASS.]
1. A pair of compasses with the legs jointed so that the points can be bent inwards; also applied to any compasses made for drawing small circles. (Commonly called bows; when the legs are kept apart by a spring, spring bows.)
1796. Hutton, Math. Dict., I. 315/1. Bow Compasses or Bows, are a small sort of compasses, that shut up in a hoop, which serves for a handle.
2. = BOW sb.1 10.
