Defn: A constellation on the equator south of Leo; the Sextant.
SEXTANT Sex"tant, n. Etym: [L. sextans, -antis, the sixth part of an as, fr. sextus sixth, sex six. See Six.]
1. (Math.)
Defn: 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.)
Defn: The constellation Sextans. Box sextant, a small sextant inclosed in a cylindrical case to make it more portable.
SEXTARY Sex"ta*ry, n.; pl. Sextaries. Etym: [L. sextarius the sixth part of a measure, weight, etc., fr. sextus sixth, sex six.] (Rom. Antiq.)
Defn: An ancient Roman liquid and dry measure, about equal to an
English pint.
SEXTARY
Sex"ta*ry, n. Etym: [For sextonry.]