gimbal

Definition

A device for suspending something, such as a ship's compass, so that it will remain level when its support is tipped.

Etymology

Alteration of gemel, from Old French gemel, jumel (“twin”) (French jumeau), from Latin gemellus.

Example Sentences

• "The lamp wriggled in its gimbals, the barometer swung in circles, the table altered its slant every moment […]"
• "1934, A. E. W. Mason, “The Chronometer,” Chapter II, in Dilemmas, London: Hodder & Stoughton, He lifted the chronometer off the gimbals on which it was slung in the mahogany case and showed the number engraved upon the bottom."