demi-circle
(ˈdɛmɪˌsɜːk(ə)l)
[demi- 10.]
1. A semicircle. Now rare.
| 1654 Evelyn Mem. (1857) I. 308 Mathematical and magical curiosities..a balance on a demi-circle. 1662 Gerbier Princ. 2 How a Point, Line, Angle, Demi-circle..must be made. 1726 Cavallier Mem. iii. 185 The Hill being in the form of a Demi-Circle. 1864 Boutell Heraldry Hist. & Pop. xxi. §11. 370 A demi-circle of glory edged with clouds. |
2. Surveying. An instrument of semicircular form used for measuring angles.
| 1874 Knight Dict. Mech., Demi-circle..a modest substitute for the theodolite. |
Hence demi-ˈcircular a., semicircular.
| 1821 Lockhart Valerino I. ix. 146 The party might consist of about twenty, who reclined along one demi-circular couch. |