Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Sextant
1.
(Math.)
The sixth part of a circle.
2.
An instrument for measuring angular distances between objects, – used esp. at sea, for ascertaining the latitude and longitude. It is constructed on the same optical principle as Hadley’s quadrant, but usually of metal, with a nicer graduation, telescopic sight, and its arc the sixth, and sometimes the third, part of a circle. See
Quadrant
. 3.
(Astron.)
The constellation Sextans.
Box sextant
, a small sextant inclosed in a cylindrical case to make it more portable.
Webster 1828 Edition
Sextant
SEX'TANT
,Noun.
1. In mathematics, the sixth part of a circle. Hence,
2. An instrument formed like a quadrant, excepting that its limb comprehends only 60 degrees, or the sixth part of a circle.
3. In astronomy, a constellation of the southern hemisphere which, according to the British catalogue, contains 41 stars.