a. (sb.) [f. TELESCOPE sb. + -IC.]
1. Of or pertaining to a telescope; of the nature of or consisting of a telescope, as telescopic sight = telescope-sight (TELESCOPE sb. 2); done by means of a telescope, as telescopic observations.
1705. J. Hodgson, in Phil. Trans., XXV. 1630. The Brass Quadrant … with Tellescopick Sights.
1855. Brewster, Newton, I. iii. 66. The limits of telescopic vision have not been reached.
1907. J. R. Illingworth, Doctr. Trin., vii. 138. Like the telescopic discovery of a star which mathematical calculations have already prophesied.
2. Seen by means of a telescope; spec. of a heavenly body, visible only through a telescope (cf. MICROSCOPIC 3). Ellipt. as sb. a telescopic star.
1714. Derham, Astro-Theol., Pref. (1726), A vj b. It is not very easy to distinguish which are Satellites, and which are Telescopick Stars.
1784. Herschel, in Phil. Trans., LXXV. 83. About 1 degree n. of … the six telescopics.
1831. Brewster, Nat. Magic, vi. (1833), 143. The general telescopic appearance of the coast.
1893. Sir R. Ball, Sun, 18. These asteroids … are … entirely telescopic.
3. Having the property of a telescope; having the power of distant vision, far-seeing; contemplating something distant. (lit. and fig.) In quot. 1886, admitting of distant vision.
1781. Cowper, Truth, 98. Turn eastward now, and fancy shall apply To your weak sight her telescopic eye.
1856. Emerson, Eng. Traits, Ability. These Saxons … have … the telescopic appreciation of distant gain.
1886. Burroughs, Signs of Seasons, Sharp Lookout, 6. When the atmosphere is telescopic, and distant objects stand out unusually clear and sharp, a storm is near.
4. Consisting of parts made to slide one within another like the tubes of a hand-telescope, so as to be capable of being lengthened or shortened.
1846. Penny Cycl., 1st Suppl. II. 665/2. The commissioners express a very decided opinion against the safety of telescopic axles … by which the wheels … might be shifted at pleasure to suit different gauges.
1864. Webster, s.v., Constructed of concentric tubes, either stationary, as in the telescopic boiler, or movable, as in the telescopic chimney of a war-vessel.
1871. B. Stewart, Heat, 83. Water or gas pipes are fitted to each other by telescopic joints.
