Abney
(ˈæbnɪ)
The surname of Sir William de Wiveleslie Abney (1844–1920) in Abney level (level n. 1), a small hand instrument used by surveyors for measuring slopes and angles above the horizon. Also Abney clinometer.
| 1889 G. W. Usill Pract. Surveying iii. 33 The Abney Level.—This portable and neat little instrument is a reflecting level and clinometer combined... It was invented by Captain Abney (of photographic renown). 1946 R. J. C. Atkinson Field Archaeol. ii. iii. 136 Abney Clinometer..The instrument consists of a sighting tube fitted with a pin-hole aperture, [etc.]. 1955 Oxf. Jun. Encycl. VIII. 429/1 The Abney level or clinometer, which consists of a sighting tube fixed to a semicircular vertical plate marked in degrees, with a spirit level attached to its index, is..used to measure vertical angles. |