geometer
(dʒiːˈɒmɪtə(r))
[ad. L. geōmetra, -metrēs, a. Gr. γεωµέτρης land-measurer, geometrician, f. γεω- geo- + -µέτρης measurer. Cf. F. géomètre.]
1. One who studies, or is skilled in, geometry.
| 1483 Cath. Angl. 153/2 A Geometer (Add. MS. Gemitrician), geometer. 1553 N. Grimalde Cicero's Offices iii. (1558) 126 The Geometers ar wont not to proue all but to require yt certein things be graunted. 1597–8 Bp. Hall Sat. v. ii, Like to the plane of many-sided Squares, That wont be drawn out by geometers. 1610 J. Guillim Heraldry ii. vii. (1611) 70, I know the learned geometer will find many more lines heere then I doe mention. 1709 Berkeley Th. Vision §155 The manner wherein geometers describe a right line or circle. 1812 Sir. H. Davy Chem. Philos. 37 Cavendish..reasoned with the caution of a geometer upon the results of his experiments. 1837 Whewell Hist. Induct. Sci. (1857) I. 150 The idea of parallax..was indeed too obvious to be overlooked by geometers at any time. 1893 Sir. R. Ball Story of Sun 4 As a geometer would express it, an ellipse of high eccentricity. |
b. subterraneous geometer (nonce-use)
= dialler 1.
| 1777 Phil. Trans. LXVII. 423 A twisted brass wire..two puncheons, a semi-circle, and a compass, are all the instruments made use of by the subterraneous Geometer. |
† 2. ? A gauger, inspector of measures.
Obs.| 1635 M. Parker Robin Consc. B j, In stead of the quart pot of Pewter I fill small Jugs, and need no Tutor: I Quarteridge giue to the Geometer most duely. |
† 3. U.S. ? A government surveyor.
Obs.| 1802 in A. Ellicott Jrnl. (1803) 51 The geometer, and other officers that are to be employed, are already on their way from New Orleans. |
4. The name of a class of caterpillars (see
quots.).
| 1816 Kirby & Sp. Entomol. (1817) II. 292 Their name of geometer was given them..because they seem to measure the surface they pass over, as they walk, with a chain. 1869 E. Newman Brit. Moths 49 The Second Great Division or Tribe of Moths are called Geometers (in science Geometræ), from the peculiar attitude which the caterpillars assume in walking. |
| attrib. 1897 Daily News 13 Sept. 6/2 The larvæ of the geometer moths..are widely known as ‘stick caterpillars’. |