'To rate a chronometer' definitions:

Definition of 'To rate a chronometer'

From: GCIDE

Rate \Rate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rated; p. pr. & vb. n. Rating.]
1. To set a certain estimate on; to value at a certain price or degree. [1913 Webster]
To rate a man by the nature of his companions is a rule frequent indeed, but not infallible. --South. [1913 Webster]
You seem not high enough your joys to rate. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
2. To assess for the payment of a rate or tax. [1913 Webster]
3. To settle the relative scale, rank, position, amount, value, or quality of; as, to rate a ship; to rate a seaman; to rate a pension. [1913 Webster]
4. To ratify. [Obs.] "To rate the truce." --Chapman. [1913 Webster]
To rate a chronometer, to ascertain the exact rate of its gain or loss as compared with true time, so as to make an allowance or computation dependent thereon. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To value; appraise; estimate; reckon. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Chronometer \Chro*nom"e*ter\, n. [Gr. ? time + -meter: cf. F. chronom[`e]tre.]
1. An instrument for measuring time; a timekeeper. [1913 Webster]
2. A portable timekeeper, with a heavy compensation balance, and usually beating half seconds; -- intended to keep time with great accuracy for use an astronomical observations, in determining longitude, etc. [1913 Webster]
3. (Mus.) A metronome. [1913 Webster]
Box chronometer. See under Box.
Pocket chronometer, a chronometer in the form of a large watch.
To rate a chronometer. See Rate, v. t. [1913 Webster] Chronometric