THEODOLITE
\θiːədˈɒla͡ɪt], \θiːədˈɒlaɪt], \θ_iː__ə_d_ˈɒ_l_aɪ_t]\
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By William Dodge Lewis, Edgar Arthur Singer
By Daniel Lyons
By William Hand Browne, Samuel Stehman Haldeman
By James Champlin Fernald
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n. [Greek] An instrument, variously constructed, used, especially in trigonometrical surveying, for the accurate measurement of horizontal angles, or the angular distances between objects projected on the plane of the horizon, consisting of a telescope moving freely on a horizontal and graduated circle, and elevated or depressed by a graduated vertical circle-the whole being set upon a portable frame with three legs, and a spirit-level to adjust it to the plane of the horizon.