'Leveling instrument' definitions:

Definition of 'Leveling instrument'

From: GCIDE
  • Leveling \Lev"el*ing\, n. [Written also levelling.]
  • 1. The act or operation of making level. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Surveying) The art or operation of using a leveling instrument for finding a horizontal line, for ascertaining the differences of level between different points of the earth's surface included in a survey, for establishing grades, etc., as in finding the descent of a river, or locating a line of railroad. [1913 Webster]
  • Leveling instrument. See Surveyor's level, under Level, n.
  • Leveling staff, a graduated rod or staff used in connection with a leveling instrument for measuring differences of level between points. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'leveling instrument'

From: GCIDE
  • Level \Lev"el\ (l[e^]v"[e^]l), n. [OE. level, livel, OF. livel, F. niveau, fr. L. libella level, water level, a plumb level, dim. of libra pound, measure for liquids, balance, water poise, level. Cf. Librate, Libella.]
  • 1. A line or surface to which, at every point, a vertical or plumb line is perpendicular; a line or surface which is everywhere parallel to the surface of still water; -- this is the true level, and is a curve or surface in which all points are equally distant from the center of the earth, or rather would be so if the earth were an exact sphere. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A horizontal line or plane; that is, a straight line or a plane which is tangent to a true level at a given point and hence parallel to the horizon at that point; -- this is the apparent level at the given point. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. An approximately horizontal line or surface at a certain degree of altitude, or distance from the center of the earth; as, to climb from the level of the coast to the level of the plateau and then descend to the level of the valley or of the sea. [1913 Webster]
  • After draining of the level in Northamptonshire. --Sir M. Hale. [1913 Webster]
  • Shot from the deadly level of a gun. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several planes of different elevation. [1913 Webster]
  • Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • Somebody there of his own level. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
  • Be the fair level of thy actions laid As temperance wills and prudence may persuade. --Prior. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. A uniform or average height; a normal plane or altitude; a condition conformable to natural law or which will secure a level surface; as, moving fluids seek a level. [1913 Webster]
  • When merit shall find its level. --F. W. Robertson. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. (Mech. & Surv.) (a) An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust something with reference to a horizontal line. (b) A measurement of the difference of altitude of two points, by means of a level; as, to take a level. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine. [1913 Webster]
  • Air level, a spirit level. See Spirit level (below).
  • Box level, a spirit level in which a glass-covered box is used instead of a tube.
  • Carpenter's level, Mason's level, either the plumb level or a straight bar of wood, in which is imbedded a small spirit level.
  • Level of the sea, the imaginary level from which heights and depths are calculated, taken at a mean distance between high and low water.
  • Line of levels, a connected series of measurements, by means of a level, along a given line, as of a railroad, to ascertain the profile of the ground.
  • Plumb level, one in which a horizontal bar is placed in true position by means of a plumb line, to which it is at right angles.
  • Spirit level, one in which the adjustment to the horizon is shown by the position of a bubble in alcohol or ether contained in a nearly horizontal glass tube, or a circular box with a glass cover.
  • Surveyor's level, a telescope, with a spirit level attached, and with suitable screws, etc., for accurate adjustment, the whole mounted on a tripod, for use in leveling; -- called also leveling instrument.
  • Water level, an instrument to show the level by means of the surface of water in a trough, or in upright tubes connected by a pipe. [1913 Webster]