Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun (used with a singular verb)
- Sometimes gimbal. a contrivance, consisting of a ring or base on an axis, that permits an object, as a ship’s compass, mounted in or on it to tilt freely in any direction, in effect suspending the object so that it will remain horizontal even when its support is tipped.
pl n
- a device, consisting of two or three pivoted rings at right angles to each other, that provides free suspension in all planes for an object such as a gyroscope, compass, chronometer, etcAlso called: gimbal ring
1570s, “joints, connecting links;” alteration of gemel “twins” (late 14c.), from Old French jumel (Modern French jumeau) “a twin,” from Latin gemellus, diminutive of geminus (see geminate). Related: Gimbals.